Greenwich Yacht Club Sails to New Heights, Raising Over £5,000 for RNLI in 2025

(l-r) RNLI Volunteer Noah Clark; Thames Commander James Williams; GYC race organiser Jim Four; Thames Commander Liam Sidders; GYC race organiser Clive Reffell © GYC

Greenwich Yacht Club (GYC) is very proud to have raised over £5,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 2025 through a series of vibrant community events.

On September 23, an RNLI inshore E-Class lifeboat journeyed downriver from Tower Lifeboat Station to GYC, to mark the club's remarkable fundraising efforts in support of its lifesaving operations on the River Thames.

The RNLI crew, led by Thames Commander Liam Sidders and including volunteer Noah Clark from Jersey, plus another full-time Thames Commander James Williams, visited GYC to acknowledge the club's contributions. Tower Lifeboat Station, which covers GYC's stretch of the Thames, relies on donations to maintain its critical rescue services.

A Year of Impactful Fundraising

The main event of GYC's fundraising so far in 2025 was a Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race on June 1, sponsored by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which raised £2,266. The event was preceded by a lively sea shanty social on May 31, which contributed around £300 to the total. Organised by GYC members Jim Four and Clive Reffell, the race showcased the club's passion for sailing and community spirit. The race was open for entries from other clubs, and was won by Sandhopper from the Thames Estuary YC.

A team of the club's rowers also made waves in the recent Great River Race 2025, achieving GYC's best-ever performance. Their ongoing JustGiving fundraiser, titled "GYC's Great River Race 2025 for RNLI," has already collected nearly £800, and it is still open at www.justgiving.com/page/gyc-rowing-4 for further donations.

These funds go directly to Tower Lifeboat Station, bypassing central RNLI accounts in Poole, ensuring immediate impact on local lifesaving operations.

A Legacy of Community and Boating Excellence

Founded in 1908 to provide river workers with leisure opportunities on the Thames, Greenwich Yacht Club is today a thriving hub for sailing, rowing, and powerboating. Located on the south bank near the Thames Barrier, GYC is a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) and an RYA Training Centre, and provides opportunities for dinghy sailing, yachting, rowing, and powerboating to residents of Greenwich and beyond. It welcomes both seasoned mariners and newcomers alike, and the club fosters a love for the river through accessible training, racing, and community events.

GYC's 2025 fundraising success reflects its deep-rooted commitment to supporting the RNLI, which saves lives at sea and along the Thames. The club's members, from rowers to sailors, have united to ensure their efforts make a tangible difference for Tower Lifeboat Station's operations.

Call for Support and Partnership

Greenwich Yacht Club invites businesses and individuals to boost its fundraising impact through match-funding partnerships. Those interested in upscaling GYC's RNLI fundraising can email the club at . Every contribution helps strengthen the RNLI's lifesaving mission, ensuring safety on the Thames for all river users.

Join the GYC Community

GYC welcomes new members to join its vibrant community, whether you're an experienced boater or eager to learn. With a legacy of over a century, the club offers a special blend of camaraderie, adventure, and social impact. Prospective members are welcome to attend Club Evenings each Tuesday, or visit www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk.

About Greenwich Yacht Club

Greenwich Yacht Club, established in 1908, is a Community Amateur Sports Club dedicated to promoting boating on the River Thames. Based near the Thames Barrier, GYC is an RYA Training Centre and offers dinghy sailing, yachting, rowing, and powerboating. With a self-help ethos that relies on members volunteering to maintain club facilities and its activities, the club supports causes like the local RNLI and Greenwich Foodbank while fostering a passion for the river.