The 306th Doggett’s Coat & Badge Race

Posted on: 21st June, 2021 by Oar Sport

WinTech Racing in collaboration with our UK distributor Oarsport have been proud supporters of the oldest rowing race in the world since 2015. Each year we have provided a WinTech Racing International single scull for all competitors to train and race in.

On Friday 24th June 2021 James Berry won the delayed 2020 306th  Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager. Only the second world war has previously led to the postponement of the annual challenge, from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea

 

 James Berry crosses the finish line, winning the 2020 Doggett's Coat & Badge Wager.

Photo Credit: Hear The Boat Sing

 This historic race was founded by Thomas Doggett Doggett, an Irish actor, in tribute to the skill and bravery of newly-licensed watermen, the London cabbies of their time, who rowed him home along the course route late one night in bad weather, when he would have otherwise been left stranded in the City.

The race was first contested on 1 August 1715 to commemorate the first anniversary of the accession of King George I to the British throne. The 4 mile 5 furlong (7.44km) race passes under a total of 11 bridges a gruelling test of the participants’ knowledge of the river and sporting prowess.⁣

 

Passing under Chelsea Bridge, the last bridge of the course.

Photo Credit: Hear The Boat Sing 

 

The winner’s prize is a traditional watermen’s red coat with a silver badge added, displaying the horse of the House of Hanover and the word “Liberty”, in honour of the accession of George I to the throne.

Simon McCarthy welcomes James Berry into the Doggetts family. Simon is a fifth generation Waterman and a passionate supporter of Doggett’s. He rowed in the World Championships, 1980 – 1984.

Photo Credit: Hear The Boat Sing

 

A full race report can be seen on Hear The Boat Sing.

The 307th Doggett’s Race for 2021 should take place on 8 September 2021.

 

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