Greenwich Yacht Club Hosts Annual Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race to Support RNLI Lifeboats
by Clive Reffell 8 May 2025 14:02 BST
1 June 2025
Greenwich Yacht Club (GYC) is thrilled to announce the second edition of its Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race, set for 1 June 2025, proudly sponsored by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. This exciting event raises vital funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), with all proceeds specifically supporting the Tower Lifeboat Station based at Waterloo on the River Thames.
The race, open to members of any recognised sailing club, starts at Greenwich Yacht Club, proceeds downriver to Erith, and returns. Following a 09:30 race briefing, skippers will choose their own start time based on weather and tidal conditions, aiming to harness the tide for both legs. Results will be calculated using an established handicap system, ensuring fair competition across diverse boat types.
The winner will be awarded an elegant crystal glass ship's decanter at a post-race ceremony attended by the Mayor-Elect of Royal Greenwich, RNLI and Port of London Authority representatives, and senior members of other River Thames-based sailing clubs.
GYC extends a warm invitation to sailors from other River Thames clubs to join this meaningful event. "This race combines our passion for sailing with the critical mission of supporting RNLI's life-saving work," said Richard Phillips, Commodore of GYC.
About Greenwich Yacht Club
Founded in 1908 to provide leisure opportunities for river workers, GYC is located three miles downriver from Tower Bridge, near the Thames Barrier. A registered Community Amateur Sports Club, GYC offers dinghy sailing, yachting, powerboating, and rowing, plus Royal Yachting Association training courses. Run entirely by volunteers, the club fosters a strong community spirit.
About Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Celebrating 25 years of innovation, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers drives sustainable growth on the River Thames. The recent addition of three eco-friendly, low-emission vessels to its riverbus service underscores its commitment to a greener future for London's river transport and its users.
About RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station
In 2001 the RNLI was asked for the first time by the Government to provide lifeboat cover on a river rather than estuarial waters, and Tower Lifeboat Station became operational in 2002. Today it is the busiest RNLI Station in the country, and is actually at Waterloo after it was relocated in 2023. It is manned 24/7 by a blend of volunteers and permanent crew. In June 2023 it became the first RNLI Station to be called out over 10,000 times.
For more information or to participate, contact: Clive Reffell, GYC member and RNLI Event Coordinator. Email: