Thames Tideway Dinghy Derby 2026 — Entry Form
Registration Form — Thames Tideway Dinghy Derby 2026
Saturday 20th June 2026 — Putney to the Houses of Parliament and back
This form is for the finalisation of your entry to the Thames Tideway Dinghy Derby 2026.
You must only complete this form if you have received a direct invitation from the Race Committee. If you have not received an invitation email, please do not use this form — your entry cannot be accepted without one.
Please read the Notice of Race before completing this form. The Sailing Instructions are not yet available and will be sent to you by email ahead of the race.
Please read the Safety Notice and Guidance Notes below carefully. By submitting this form you confirm that you have read and understood all applicable regulations and are competent to race safely on the Thames Tideway.
Once you submit this form, you must pay the £60 entry fee immediately to confirm your place. A payment link will appear on submission. Your entry is not confirmed until payment is received. Places are limited and unpaid entries will be released after the time period outlined in the invitation email you have received.
Safety Notice
Sailing on the Thames is inherently dangerous. The Thames Tideway is a busy commercial waterway with strong tidal currents, variable winds, significant wash from commercial traffic, and numerous fixed hazards including bridges, piers, and moored vessels. Participation in this race requires experience and competence in navigating these conditions.
Safety boats will be on the water throughout the race. Any boat deemed to be sailing in an unsafe manner, or not complying with COLREGs, Thames Byelaws, or PLA regulations, will be disqualified. The decision of the safety team is final.
Guidance Notes
Please read the following guidance notes carefully. You will be required to confirm that you have read and understood each section before completing your entry.
1. Regulations
1.1 COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)
The Thames is classified as a “Narrow Channel” under COLREGs. All participants must be familiar with Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), which governs navigation in narrow channels and fairways. Key requirements include:
- A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
- A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
- A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway.
- Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
You can read the full text of COLREGs here.
1.2 Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012
All participants must be familiar with the Port of London Thames Byelaws 2012, in particular:
- Byelaw 24 — Modifications to collision regulations, including specific requirements for vessels on the Thames.
- Byelaw 27.2 — Vessels above Westminster Bridge: a sailing vessel must not obstruct the passage of any power-driven vessel.
You can read the Thames Byelaws 2012 here.
1.3 Port of London General Directions
All participants must be familiar with the Port of London General Directions.
Important: Five short blasts on a commercial vessel’s horn means you are in immediate danger. You must clear the channel immediately. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and may be reported to the PLA.
2. Hazards and Competency
The following hazards are present on the Thames Tideway. All participants must be aware of and competent to manage these risks:
2.1 Tide and Current
Tidal flows on the Thames can reach up to 3 knots (4–5 knots at peak). Water accelerates near bridges and piers, and can pin or push boats underneath fixed structures.
2.2 Commercial Traffic and Right of Way
The Thames is a busy commercial waterway. Uber Boats (Thames Clippers) operate frequent services, and barges may have blind spots of up to 150 metres. Commercial vessels have right of way over sailing vessels in the narrow channel.
2.3 Wake and Wash
Significant wash is generated by ferries, charter boats, and other commercial traffic. At low tide, shallow edges amplify wash effects. Wake can be sufficient to flip dinghies.
2.4 Bridges
There are 10 bridges between Ranelagh Sailing Club and the Houses of Parliament. Bridges create turbulent air, wind shadows, and water vortices that can be challenging to navigate.
2.5 Piers, Moored Vessels, and Moorings
There is a life-threatening risk of entrapment if a boat is swept under moored obstructions by the current. Maintain a safe distance from all piers and moored vessels at all times.
2.6 Tall Buildings
Tall buildings on the riverbanks can cause sudden gusts and unpredictable wind shifts.
2.7 The Foreshore
At low tide, mudflats and submerged debris (including shopping trolleys, timber, and other objects) can damage centreboards and rudders.
Note: Safety boats will observe all participants throughout the race. Any boat deemed to be sailing unsafely may be disqualified. This decision is final.
3. Safety Equipment
All participants must comply with the following safety equipment requirements. Scrutineers will spot-check entrants before launch. No boat may participate without the requisite safety equipment.
- All participants must wear a personal flotation device of appropriate size, fitted with a whistle.
- Two-handed boats must carry a paddle.
- Each boat must carry a 250ml bottle of water per crew member.
- Each boat must have a closable pocket or secured bag for rubbish collection.
- Each boat must carry sunscreen.
- Each boat must carry a rope usable as a towing line.
4. Water Quality
The Thames is non-designated bathing water and may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites from sewage discharge. Participants should be aware of these risks.
A current tetanus vaccination is recommended.
5. Health
Participants must be in good health and unlikely to require medical assistance during the normal course of the race (estimated duration approximately 3 hours, but could be longer).
6. Age Restriction
All skippers must be at least 15 years of age. Juniors (aged 15–18) must be registered by a compulsory adult. Participation is personal and non-transferable.
7. Insurance
Public liability insurance of at least £5,000,000 is required for each crew member. Uninsured boats will be deemed not entered.
8. Sailing Instructions
Sailing Instructions will be published closer to the race date and will include the specific course and bridge arch restrictions. All participants must follow the Sailing Instructions.