Sailing spectacle returns to the Thames, supporting life-changing programme for young people

1977 Silver Jubilee Tideway Race with over 300 entrants © Alamy / RSC

For the first time in half a century, 80 dinghies are set to race ten miles up and down the River Thames as part of the Tideway Dinghy Derby supported by Laing O'Rourke - celebrating a cleaner tidal Thames and supporting a life changing sailing programme for young people.

On Saturday 20th June 2026 the sailors will race from Putney Embankment, home of Ranelagh Sailing Club, to a buoy close to the Houses of Parliament and then back to Putney for the finish. One of Britain's most respected offshore sailors, Pip Hare, will be competing.

Organised by Ranelagh Sailing Club, the event will see the partial closure of the River Thames and will raise money for Scaramouche Sailing Trust - a sailing programme that supports students from the Greig City Academy into sailing and imparts valuable life skills.

One such student is Kai Hockley, an alumnus of Grieg City Academy, who is now a key member of the F50 Emirates GBR SailGP Team as a grinder. His remarkable journey highlights the importance of initiatives and events like these in introducing young people to a sport that is often perceived as inaccessible.

The Tideway Dinghy Derby, last run in 1977 when over 300 boats competed for the Queen's Silver Jubilee, returns in 2026 as the new Thames Tideway Tunnel (often called the 'super sewer') celebrates its first year of operation. The new infrastructure, along with the Lee Tunnel and major upgrades to Thames Water sewage treatment works across London, is dramatically reducing discharges of storm sewage into the tidal Thames, creating a healthier river environment for generations to come. More than 18 million tonnes of sewage have now been diverted away from the tidal River Thames.

The Tideway Dinghy Derby supported by Laing O'Rourke will not start before 11am or once the tide height has dropped enough to allow the fleet to safely pass under Putney Bridge. Prior to the start, the fleet of 80 boats (nearly 150 sailors) will be rigging and lining the embankment, where the sailors will be available to share what it means to them to be able to be part of this spectacular event on the River Thames.

Laing O'Rourke is the lead supporter of the event after successfully delivering the largest, central section of the Tideway in joint venture with Ferrovial Agroman. Having begun construction a decade ago, their teams worked day and night across eight project sites to upgrade the sewer system to help London cope with its growing population and clean up the river.

Speaking on supporting this event, a Laing O'Rourke spokesperson said: "Laing O'Rourke is immensely proud to have delivered a project that has transformed the Thames, making it possible for thousands to enjoy the river in new ways. Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure the Thames Tideway Tunnel would create a healthier environment for London, and it's wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate. We hope this inspires a new generation to care for our river."

The race will see Merlin Rockets, Fireflys and ILCAs compete (and a handicap fleet start). In this extra special year for the Merlin Rockets whose early years brought them to Ranelagh Sailing Club and the Firefly Class as they are both celebrating their respective 80th anniversaries.

Ranelagh Sailing Club is working closely with the Port of London Authority, who have agreed to a partial river closure on the day and hope to see develop into an annual event. Tideway, the company which constructed the Thames Tideway Tunnel, and Thames Water, who commissioned the tunnel, are supporting the event.

Speaking on the event, Tessa Fayers, Thames Water said: "As the future custodians of the Thames Tideway Tunnel - a significant piece of infrastructure that will help ensure a cleaner Thames for all river users and wildlife, it is vital that we support events like this.

"They demonstrate how far the Thames has come, enabling people to enjoy the river safely and confidently, while highlighting that its recovery and improvement continue.

"We look forward to supporting the event through our donation and seeing the Thames teeming with dinghies once more, as the race returns after a 50-year hiatus."

Ranelagh Sailing Club and the Scaramouche Sailing Trust is grateful to all those supporting this event including Laing O'Rourke, Thames Water, North Cross and Linklaters.

Event website: www.ranelaghsc.co.uk/tideway-2026

Enterprise Tideway Race with Tower Bridge in the background - photo © Enterprise Association