A Royal Pageant on the Thames: RTYC Celebrates 250 Years in Spectacular Style
by Robin Tott 4 Jul 14:59 BST
28 June 2025
Royal Thames Yacht Club 250th Anniversary pageant along the River Thames © Martin Allen Photography
The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) proudly marked a historic milestone on Saturday, 28th June, with a magnificent pageant along the River Thames - a highlight of its 250th Anniversary celebrations. Drawing hundreds of spectators this grand maritime spectacle was a truly unique occasion in the heart of London this summer.
The celebration began at West India Dock, where a flotilla of over 30 vessels, all owned by RTYC members, assembled before proceeding in stately procession past the iconic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and onward toward central London.
The pageant sailed upstream to Tower Bridge passing HMS President where Vice Commodore Richard Powell took the salute from the fleet. At the head of the procession was Viveka, owned by Sir Keith Mills, which marked the moment with a ceremonial cannon salute. Crews doffed their caps and dipped ensigns in tribute, followed by three hearty cheers for the Royal Thames - a moment of tradition and pride. Viveka then led an eclectic and eye-catching assembly of yachts, including the legendary Gipsy Moth IV, the high-performance TP52 Gladiator, Dunkirk Little Ship Tahilla, Oyster Dama de Noche, and Spirit Yachts' Oui Fling, beneath the raised bascules of Tower Bridge. A fitting finale saw the 129-year-old, 36-metre gaff ketch sailing yacht Cariad, make a grand lockingin to the St Katharine docks.
Invited guests aboard HMS President, spectators on a dedicated Uber Boat, and crowds gathered along Tower Bridge and the surrounding docks were all able to enjoy the 1600m long procession of yachts dressed overall. The festivities concluded with a lively floating pontoon party in the central basin of St Katharine Docks, hosted in honour of the occasion.
The Royal Thames Yacht Club extends its heartfelt thanks to West India Docks and especially to St Katharine Docks for welcoming the fleet, as well as to the Port Authority of London for their operational support. Special mention also goes to the RNLI for joining in the pageant and ensuring safety on the water.
"It's not every day you witness a pageant of such scale making its way up the River Thames," said Rear Commodore Sailing, Tom Partridge. "A tremendous amount of work and preparation went into making it happen, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. It was a true joy to be part of, and it was clear that spectators lining the riverbanks thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. For us, it marked a standout moment in our 250th Anniversary celebrations - a day that will remain in our memories for years to come."