The River Thames will swap ferries, freighters and Uber boats for single sculls on Wednesday, 10 September, as three rowers compete in the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager – the oldest continuously run boat race in the world, writes Emily Driver…
Dating back to 1715, the annual wager is a historic test of strength, skill and endurance. The arena is a 7.44km course of London’s most iconic, fast-running waters between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier. The award: the Red Coat and Silver Badge – one of the City of London’s most prestigious accolades.
Battling for glory are Charlie Milward (Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club), who will row on station one in white; making his fourth and final vie for the prize is Coran Cherry (from the same club), who will row on station two in black; and Jack Finelli (Medway Towns Rowing Club), who returns for a second time on station three in blue.
The event is collaboratively organised by The Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, with former Doggett’s winner and current record-holder, Bobby Prentice, as umpire.
Sean Collins, CEO of Thames Clippers and past Doggett’s winner, has said that the race represents a delicate balance between tradition and modernity:
“Traditions such as Doggett’s Coat and Badge are not merely about reflecting on the past; they emphasise the transmission of skills, values, and pride that have shaped the Thames over the centuries. The Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager serves as a tangible connection between the waterage skills of yesteryear and the competencies of future watermen.”
The pageantry begins from London Bridge at 11:30 am, with the race itself starting at 12:15 pm.
Spectators are encouraged to line the bridges or riverbank to witness a tradition older than the United States – and a contest that turns Britain’s proud waterway into a timeless sporting arena.
