Seafarers Success in the 2026 Great River Race
Published 08:10 on 1 Sep 2026
Two Bursledon Gigs from Hill Head's Seafarers Sailing Club made their mark at the 2026 Great River Race, with Oarsome and Rowsea competing successfully against a large international fleet that included many bigger boats. Oarsome completed the race in 3 hours 21 minutes and 51 seconds, while Rowsea finished in 3 hours 40 minutes and 50 seconds.
Against 268 entries, Oarsome placed 59th overall on handicap and Rowsea 133rd. In the Bursledon Gig class, Oarsome finished third and Rowsea eighth, while both crews also recorded strong results in the four-oared and mixed veteran categories.
The two crews ranged in age from 53 to 80, underlining the skill, fitness and determination behind their performances.
Lesley Charlton said: "We are immensely proud of both crews. The Great River Race is a real test of teamwork, preparation and determination, and these results reflect the commitment put in by everyone involved, both on and off the water."
Seafarers Sailing Club congratulates the crews of Oarsome and Rowsea, along with all the volunteers and supporters who helped make their participation possible.
Team Oarsome
This crew certainly knows its way around water! Between them they have decades of sailing experience. Kay spent years exploring the French canals from the Somme to Le Midi and sailing around Greece.
Carol has swapped sailing for rowing and, after a lifetime on the water, has discovered that rowing is as much about friendship and fun as getting from A to B.
Ree has gone a step further, kayaking the entire Thames from source to sea so she should at least know where we're going!
Lesley brings adventure, having travelled to 81 countries and islands and explored the subaquatic world as a scuba diver. Julie brings balance as a yoga teacher, green fingers as a gardener and a talent for baking to keep the crew fuelled!
Mark brings underwater experience from his time as a submariner. These days he's happier seeing the sky but still loves teamwork. With such experience, adventure and enthusiasm, This really is
one awesome crew who took on the Thames, pulled together and showedjust how "Oarsome" they can be!
Team Rowsea
This eclectic crew brought an unusual mix of talents, adventures and questionable life choices to the Great River Race!
Jeanie has proved she's not your average Nanna,throwing herself off a 4m ledge into a diving pool during a sea survival course.
Michaela may prefer sewing and crochet but don't be fooled by the crafty exterior she has a full motorbike licence and has taken to the track at Donington.
Sam brings French sophistication, having lived and worked in Paris for five years, while Viv, the oldest (and in her words, wisest!) crew member, has a special bond with the Thames,having grown up in London.
Janet is our real-life Shirley Valentine, still happilymarried to her "Turkish delight" after 32 years. And finally,
Les, the crew's only bloke, modestly claims he's here because he's the best-looking person in the boat!
With this much character, adventure and banter, they made quite an impression on the Thames!
More Photographs can be found in the Gallery (here)
Last updated 17:54 on 14 September 2026
