The Great River Race: Additional Information

Documentation

Additional Information: Reverse Race Overview

For the first time ever, due to tidal patterns, the Great River Race will be running upstream from the Millwall Slipway opposite the Docklands Centre, Westferry Road E14 3QS, a few hundred yards upriver of the regular Finish (see Start illustration below), to our usual starting point at Ham, Richmond (see Finish illustration below). Running the Race upstream this year will mean that all crews will, as usual, have the benefit of running with the prevailing flood tide. Read on for a brief overview of the plans to date, but please contact us if you have any questions.

Friday, September 4 2009

At Start, London Docklands:

Boat and trailer parking in car park on Westferry Road (noon Friday - noon Sunday)
Boat parking on slipway itself ready for easy launching Saturday morning.
Craning in of large boats with secure overnight mooring.
Special rates at nearby Ibis Hotel (see below for more details).
Docklands Sailing Centre, including bar, open to competitors.

At Finish, Ham, Richmond:

Secure boat and trailer parking in usual field off Ham Street (noon Friday - noon Sunday).
Usual campsite and BBQ/band at Thames Young Mariners (extra cost). Early Registration from 18.00 hours.
Boat launching with secure overnight mooring prior to Saturday morning tow to Start.
Special rates at new Holiday Inn Hotel in Thames Ditton (see below for more details).

Saturday, September 5 2009

At Finish, Ham, Richmond (early am):

Tow down to the Start, of boats launched on Friday, in time for Registration (extra cost).
ShuttleBus from Holiday Inn, campsite and car park to Start. Last service timed to accommodate drivers who have launched at the Start and driven car and trailer back to Finish (extra cost - see Services for more details).

At Start, London Docklands; first boat away 11.00 hours:

Commentary from 09.00 hours.
Assistance with launching at Millwall Slipway from 09.30 hours.
Boats towed from Ham and craned-in craft moored overnight brought to Start.
Large pontoon with shuttle boats to and from shore to assist registration and marshalling.
Registration & Scrutineering (08.00 - 10.00 hours), clothing sales, catering etc.
Spectator boats will board nearby to watch the Start and follow the Race. Refreshments available. Early booking recommended. (see Services for details).

At Finish, Ham (pm); winner expected 14.10 hours:

Riverside bar, catering, programme and clothing sales from 13.00 hours.
Commentary from 13.30 hours.
Recovered boats can use secure car park until noon Sunday.
Crane out of heavy boats.
Spectator boats will disembark close to Finish.
Passenger boat will return to Westminster Pier at 16:45 (extra charge)
Prizegiving and crew party with live band and disco in special GRR marquee on Ham riverside (bars ashore and afloat).
Changing tents.
Convenient showers and changing facilities courtesy of the German School.
ShuttleBus services at 21.00 (post prizegiving) and 22.30 from Ham Street car park to the Start calling at Waterloo and Liverpool Street stations.
Campsite continues overnight (extra cost - see Services for more details).
River transport to Holiday Inn after party. 25 minutes approximately.

Hotel Accomodation - GRR Special Offer

For those who find the undoubted attractions of Vic Griffiths' campsite easily resistible (whimps), we have arranged special GRR rates at hotels situated conveniently at both ends of the course.

Holiday Inn, Thames Ditton, Surrey:

A brand new hotel situated some 15 minutes drive from the Finish. For those staying on Friday night, our ShuttleBus service will start here before picking up at the campsite and continuing to the Start in time for Registration. A post-party passenger boat service will operate from Ham to a landing point at Thames Marina just over the road from the hotel.

Details:

£85.00 per twin room per night including full English breakfast.
Contact: Colin M Williams (Sales Manager) quoting ref. Great River Race at:
Holiday Inn London,
Kingston South,
Portsmouth Road,
Kingston-upon-Thames,
Surrey KT6 5QQ, UK,
t: +44(0)20 8786 6502
f: +44(0)20 8786 6575
m: 07903 882815
Alternatively book via the Holiday Inn's own on-line reservation desk

Hotel Ibis London Docklands:

Just a short distance from the Start and part of the same group as the Greenwich hotel which has proved so popular over the years.

Details:

£73.00 per room only per night with king-size bed and flat screen TV for the Friday/ Saturday, 4/ 5 September.
Twin or family rooms are subject to availability at the same rate.
For reservations please call +44( 0)20 7517 1100 number or email h2177@accor.com quoting reference "The Great River Race 2009".