Greenwich Yacht Club plans more RNLI fundraising

Greenwich Yacht Club hands over £1,800 to Tower Lifeboat Station at Waterloo Bridge © RNLI

Greenwich Yacht Club has made a payment of £1,800 to Tower Lifeboat Station, the proceeds of a fundraising yacht race held on the River Thames in May 2026 in aid of the RNLI.

Two representatives of the club, race organisers Clive Reffell and Jim Four, visited Tower Lifeboat Station's mooring at Waterloo Bridge for a symbolic handover to the station's Boat House Manager, Stephen Wheatley. He was accompanied by volunteer crew members Emma Keen and Jack Lennerd.

Tower Lifeboat Station covers the River Thames from Battersea to Woolwich and, like all RNLI lifeboat stations, relies on public donations to fund its operations. The Royal Borough of Greenwich has the longest Thames shoreline of any London borough, giving the club a natural stake in supporting the station's work.

"Fundraising for Tower Lifeboat Station seems an obvious thing to do," said Clive Reffell. "Sixteen boats took part this year, including guest competitors from other clubs. Many Greenwich Yacht Club members were involved, either on or off the water, in making the event a success. We thank them all."

Stephen Wheatley added: "This is the third year that Greenwich Yacht Club has held a race to raise money specifically for Tower Lifeboat Station. We deeply appreciate what has become a strong and supportive relationship with the club."

Looking ahead to 2027

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Tower Lifeboat Station's opening, and Greenwich Yacht Club has already pencilled in its next RNLI fundraising race for Sunday 27 June 2027.

"We hope it will be the biggest one yet," said Jim Four.

Commercial opportunities are available for businesses or individuals wishing to become headline race sponsor, or to match-fund the final amount raised. To express interest and explore this further, email , marked "2027 TLS Race."

About Greenwich Yacht Club

Founded in 1908 to give river workers leisure opportunities on the Thames, Greenwich Yacht Club is today a thriving hub for sailing, rowing and powerboating on the south bank near the Thames Barrier. GYC is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) and an RYA Training Centre, offering dinghy sailing, yachting, rowing and powerboating to residents of Greenwich and beyond.

The club welcomes seasoned mariners and complete newcomers alike, fostering a love of the river through accessible training, racing and community events.

Now in its third year of raising funds specifically for Tower Lifeboat Station, GYC's annual fundraising race reflects its ongoing commitment to the RNLI, whose crews save lives at sea and along the Thames.

Join the GYC community

Greenwich Yacht Club welcomes new members, whether experienced boaters or complete beginners — nobody needs to own a boat to join. Prospective members are welcome at Club Evenings, held every Tuesday, or can find out more at www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk