ROW THE DOCKS – Sunday 17th June 2012

On Sunday 17th June “Sir Harry” is being crewed by a team of Southampton Pilots racing against “Chimaera” crewed by crew members of the Southampton Harbour Masters Patrol launch. Please click here to sponsor this event. In aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

After the great success of the Pilot/Patrol Docks rowing race last year, the crew of Southampton Patrol have challanged the Pilots to a re-match. The winning team will be presented the rowers cup, which was last year one by the Patrol team.

The Pilot/Patrol race is to take place again this year on the 17th June 2012, to raise money for the ABP charity of the year, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Hearing Dogs was launched at the world famous Crufts dog show in 1982. Since then they have created over 1,600 life-changing partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs in the UK. There are currently over 750 working partnerships in the country.

Sunday 17th June 2012 – Update

Congratulations to the crew of “Chimaera” from Southampton Harbour Masters Patrol (SP) who won Row the Docks race today from “Sir Harry” being crewed by Southampton pilots and our GSL. After a grueling race of approximately 8 miles the gigs were only seperated by approximately 3 boat lengths.

“Sir Harry” gained an early lead from the start off Eling and was approximately 20 – 30 boat lengths ahead before dock head when disaster befell “Sir Harry’s” bowman Sean O’Toole when his oar gate failed, allowing the SP team to catch up and gain a narrow lead at dock head. The SP Team in “Chimaera” lead for the remainder of the race to take line honours at Woodmill. The teams were met at Woodmill by families and friends of the two teams plus volunteers from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

The gigs were taken in tow by Southampton Patrol Boat “Sentinel” and the Hamble Independent Lifeboat, back to 22 berth in the Empress Docks Southampton where a BBQ and light refreshments were available for the crew and supporters. Thanks must go to Captain Martin Phipps who acted as starter and umpire for the event, also thanks to Gary Olden and Brian Butcher who organise this event each year, not forgeting the rest of the support from the Harbour Masters Patrol Launches and the crew of Hamble Independent Lifeboat all of whom made it an event to remember.

For those of you who missed it there will be the opportunity to see it on BBC TV as part of the documentary series “Sea City”  to be aired soon.

We are looking forward to next years event, and are hoping this years event made plenty of money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. If you have not donated please click here, thank you very much for your support.

"Sir Harry " at race finish, Woodmill

“Chimaera” (owned by ABP Southampton) is named after Sir Harry Chrichton’s yacht of the same name. “Chimaera” is loaned to Netley Sea Scouts when not required. The gig “Sir Harry” is named after Sir Harry Crichton who lived at Netley Castle and was a good friend of Sir Robert Baden-Powell. BP used to stay at the Castle on his visits to Hampshire., and Sir Harry became the first Hampshire County Commissioner for Scouts. Netley Sea Scouts is one of the oldest sea scout groups in the country being formed in 1908, and was proud to take part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on 3rd June.

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