London on the river

As I said in my last post my last few weeks have really been themed round the docklands and maritime life. I've seen quite a few interesting boats on my travels.

A few Sundays ago I was really privileged to see the start of the Clipper Round the World race. Tower Bridge was raised and the yachts were brought in and paraded in front of the cheering crowds. It was great to see the crews all on deck, and the beautiful boats. It reminded me of when my mum worked as a sailor for the Challenge Business in Southampton. She did some very exciting trips, sailed through a hurricane to Boston, and won the Round Britain Race. She's a great sailor and I'm so proud of what she did. After seeing the Clippers I decided to support the Londonderry boat, due to the family connections, and it was the boat I saw most of while I watching from the shore. 

Coming back from Greenwich I managed to become part of the Great River Race, organised as part of the Mayor's Thames Festival. It was amazing to see the little boats getting bumped up and down on the waves in the Thames, the rowers working hard to get up the river. It was the best Thames Clipper I've ever taken, as it had to travel really slowly. A relaxing cruise up the river after a lovely day out.

The Great River Race

Unfortunately I had to take the photographs through the Clipper windows, which were a bit blurry from the spray of the river and the rain.

Not all boats on the Thames can be classed as beautiful though. I came across this cruise ship parked up near Greenwich. I know some people like them, but I'm not very keen. I think they're a block of flats on water, I'd feel really claustrophobic. I don't think there were any passengers, at least I hope not, it's not the nicest place for a cruise!