19/04/2026
The Thames Tideway Dinghy Derby is back.
For the first time in half a century, 80 dinghies are set to race ten miles up and down the River Thames from this start line on Saturday 20th June 2026.
Richard Westover, Commodore of Ranelagh Sailing Club, host club for the Tideway Dinghy Derby, tells us a bit more about the event taking place to celebrate the operation of London’s new super sewer.
Once the tide height has dropped enough to allow the fleet to safely pass under Putney Bridge, the fleet of 80 boats (near 150 sailors) will be head for a turning mark by the Houses of Parliament before returning to the finish line here at Ranelagh Sailing Club.
We are delighted to announce that The Scaramouche Sailing Trust is the Ranelagh Sailing Club charity partner for this event. The money raised will give young people from diverse backgrounds, the chance to build confidence, resilience, and life skills through hands-on sailing experiences they would not otherwise access. The charity funds the groundbreaking sailing programme from Greig City Academy in Haringey, north London. It uses sailing as a tough but rewarding environment to steer young people away from harmful activities, to create opportunities that motivate, build confidence, discipline, skills – supporting them to achieve far more than they thought possible at school and in life beyond school. We can’t wait to welcome their talented sailors along to take part in the racing and inspire other young people across London to get on the water.
Entries are now closed with some charity spaces available. So do get in touch if you would like to join us.
It’s going to be a truly specular event for those taking part and those in London on the day. We hope you can join us.
BBC London
