Save the date - This sounds like fun! - 1st/2nd August 2026

[Rachel]

I’m contacting you on behalf of the Gravesend Regatta Society, as we’re currently preparing for the 180th Gravesend Regatta, taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2026. It’s a big year for us, and we’re hoping to bring together a broad and vibrant mix of rowers, river organisations, and community groups for something truly special.

We’d love to invite your club to consider getting involved.

Here’s a bit of background:

We have four Clayton skiffs available (I believe your team may be familiar with them).

A local club will also bring their two Cornish gigs, and we have a close relationship with the Port of London Authority and Port Health who collectively have a number of Thames waterman cutters avail

Races are short and engaging, typically lasting 20 minutes or less and all taking place in clear view of the promenade, which makes it a great atmosphere for both participants and spectators.

Looking ahead, we’re exploring the possibility of creating a designated camping area close to the riverside, it’s not something we’ve done before, but we’re meeting with the council on 17th July to see what might be possible. I’ll keep you updated in case that’s something your group would find useful.

On the shore side, we’re also aiming higher than ever. We’ve partnered with a local brewery to run a beer festival, and will be including a wide mix of stalls, music, displays, and family-friendly activities to give the event a real festival feel throughout the weekend.

At this stage, I’d be really grateful to know if your team might be interested, or if there’s anything that would help make participation easier or more appealing.

Very happy to keep the conversation going as our plans take shape.

[Mark Taylor]

Sound interesting.  I'm not sure from the wordng if they are indicating that have 4 Claydons available for visitors to use in races.  If this is the case,  then it's a lot less of a logistics issue than towing all that way.

Camping plus beer festival,  what's not to like.

[Karen Bakovljev]

Although I have said I will never race another Claydon again, happy to give it another go. I have put the date in the diary.

[Matt O’Neill]

Definitely up for it as have a lot of friends that way, in Kent and Essex. Also very happy to volunteer to help organise things from our end if needed.
Matt

[Susan mccarthy]

Looks interesting.. sounds fun

[Rachel]

I fancy rowing a Thames Waterman Cutter, they mention having some available and it would be a new challenge, I've rowed 1,2,3,4,8,12 and 14 seat boats but never 6.

[Tim]

Ummmmmmmmmm 6 seats let me think? But yes what a great idea and defo up for it.

[Julie Carter]

Sounds fun, I would be interested.

[Lesley Grainger]

Yes please Rachel, something & somewhere new is always an adventure.
Love a Claydon

[Lynn Murray]

Sounds like a good event to attend

[Dave & Josie]

Sounds great! We would be interested 👍

Sounds fun…. It’s in the diary

[Marion]

Sounds appealing.  I'd be interested  

[Liz Walmsley]

Oooh, that sounds good. Pencilled in the diary.

[Vernon Seddon]

Sounds fun, we would be interested.

[Monica Bentley]

Sounds interesting.  I would be interested.  

[Jo Beardsall]

We would be interested

[Geoffrey Shilling]

I’m very interested in a Waterman having coxed them before.. Geoff

[Alison b]

Sounds great fun would love to take part. Have rowed in Thames Cutters previously but happy to row in a Claydon.

[T Way]

I'm interested Rachel
Thanks
Tina