As See on BBC CountryFile. Click on the logo to watch at 44 mins and 30 seconds

The Thames Traditional Boat Rally is, simply put, a huge 2-day display of the very finest-looking traditional boats one can see. It was the dream, back in 1977, of a few keen boaters. Most of these were members of the River Thames Society, others were members of the Inland Waterways Association or Thames boat clubs. Their idea was to encourage owners of traditional craft to cherish and restore them to all their former glory, as well as to continue to use them upon the river.
The Rally was to be both a meeting and a showcase for owners and craft, at one of the most beautiful spots on the River Thames, with various trophies and prizes awarded. Happily, it is still going, and becomes more spectacular every year.

The first formal Rally was held in July of 1978 at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, and to re-capture that magical day visit our new "History of the Rally" exhibition in the Administration Tent, or click here to visit the online version. Since then the original aims of the Rally have been met in full and the number of traditional craft seen in daily use, on the Thames and elsewhere, grows year by year. Restorations range from minor repair and cosmetic work to ruined hulks which have been completely restored to their former glory (as with "Alaska" below). Some are the products of highly skilled craftsmen in the Thames boatyards, and some are the results of many, many months of loving work by enthusiastic amateurs. Many fine examples of both  will be on view at the Rally, and will take part in the many sail-pasts, when their origins and histories will be described by the commentators.

The Weekend Programme

The Rally weekend is one that should not be missed by anyone who has an interest in the traditions of bygone years, or who is a lover of boats and boating of any sort. There a very full programme of events both on the water and on the riverbank. This starts with a very popular new event - a special "Welcome To The Rally" dinner on the Friday night, with live music and a featured speaker. Details are in the Booking Form in the documents pack. The Rally proper opens at 9 am on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday it runs late into the night with the Illuminated Parade followed by the dance. On Sunday it ends after the Trophy Presentations, usually by 6 pm.

Throughout the weekend there will be continuous parades of all the many different classes of boats, including the " Association of Dunkirk Little Ships " and the many beautiful craft of the Thames Vintage Boat Club . When not out on the water, all the craft will be moored to the bank, and provide a spectacular sight as you stroll along the river bank. At the discretion of the owners, you may be invited aboard to look over the craft, or even taken for a cruise. On Saturday the Rally opens with the sail-pasts, and the Boat Jumble opens around 10 am. There is a busy programme continuing until midnight, for those who wish to stay for the Illuminated Parade and for the dance in the Beer Tent (to a live band). 

On Sunday the opening time is again 9 am, but the Rally closing ceremony takes place at around 6 pm following the presentation of all the Trophies. 
We provide an excellent printed souvenir programme, packed with information,  which can be obtained at the gate or at the Registration Tent (near the commentators tent). To get a complete picture of what the Thames Traditional Boat Rally consists of, browse the excellent Photo Galleries for a visual feast.