Boating Best Bits of the Last Two Decades...

When we look back over the past two decades, there have been some seriously impressive achievements and memorable moments in the marine world.

Ellen MacArthur

Back in 2005, Ellen set a new fastest world record for non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe. Her record of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds was upheld until 2008. Upon returning home, she was awarded an honourary Fame Commander of the British Empire, becoming the youngest to ever receive this prestigious title.

Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant

2012 was a memorable year filled with summer celebration in the UK. As the host nation of the Olympics, we marvelled at the world’s greatest sportspeople and enjoyed the festivities that surrounded the event. It was also a big year for the Royal Family, as the Queen enjoyed her Diamond Jubilee. A spectacular scene transformed the River Thames as part of the revelry, with an extraordinary pageant featuring over 1000 boats which paraded down the capital’s infamous waterway.

Greta Thunberg

The inspiring youngster has certainly captured many of our imaginations, creating momentum for the vision of a greener future. Whilst sharing this message amongst communities all over the world came the predicament of needing a sustainable method of transport. So Greta turned to the seas and sailed across the oceans as opposed to using planes her bid help reduce climate change and cut down harmful greenhouse gas emissions. We take our sailing caps off to you Greta.

Rosie and Jim

We couldn’t cover boating highlights without mentioning TV favourite Rosie and Jim, who entertained us for a whole decade with their escapades aboard narrowboat Ragdoll. Unbeknown to the boat’s owner, the two dolls would magically come to life when no-one was looking to enjoy the adventures as they travelled through the canal networks.

RYA Awards

A special mention needs to go out to the very humbling winners of the RYA Volunteer Awards. Each and every winner has done incredible work in supporting their local communities, including Jan and Richard Gaskell, who were in 2019 awarded the Francis Elkin Award in recognition of 17 years helping disabled people enjoy the wonders of sailing in Westbere. In the same year, the Lifetime Commitment Award was given to the astounding Sheena Barrow for her dedication to Orford sailing Club, after having enjoyed 61 years (and counting!) out on the water.


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