How it Started
2011 Jake Frith, then editor of Sailing Today magazine and keen rower attended as well as giving instruction in the week prior to the event.
In 2012 we were honoured to have much respected and just retired scout leader Greg Thorne start the race.
2013 was the year that we welcomed canoes and kayaks to the event which saw a small but very diverse flotilla including elegantly long surf ski’s, K4’s that powered the length of the course, K1, Exploration kayaks, general purpose kayaks and a canoe crewed by 3 girls and a dog. Eat your heart out Jerome K. Jerome ! The event has evolved with computers and GPS to enhance the time keeping and a tannoy system to keep both spectators and competitors informed.
2014 was the topping on the cake, The weather was glorious, Hall & Woodhouse & The Jolly Sailor donated the beer, As one competitor said, “the Hamble River Raid has become a serious sporting event supported and put on by the local community without losing the element of fun that embraces all ages and skills.”
2015 saw OC6’s, six man outrigger canoes, Stand up paddlers and an increased fleet of Kayaks and Canoes. A real celebration of paddling in all forms!
The River Raid could not happen without the support of friends, parents and scouts, the Hamble Parish Council and River Hamble Harbour master and of course the competitors. Thank you all for taking part and making it the success it is.