The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) proudly marked a historic milestone on Saturday, 28th June, with a magnificent pageant along the River Thames, a highlight of its 250th Anniversary celebrations. Drawing hundreds of spectators, this grand maritime spectacle was a truly unique occasion in the heart of London this summer. The finale, a flotilla of 23 vessels assembling in St Katharine Docks historic centre basin.

The celebration began at West India Dock, where a flotilla of over 30 vessels, all owned by RTYC members, assembled before proceeding in stately procession past the iconic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and onward toward central London.

The pageant sailed upstream to Tower Bridge passing HMS President where Vice Commodore Richard Powell took the salute from the fleet. At the head of the procession was Viveka, owned by Sir Keith Mills, which marked the moment with a ceremonial cannon salute. Crews doffed their caps and dipped ensigns in tribute, followed by three hearty cheers for the Royal Thames. Viveka then led an eclectic and eye-catching assembly of yachts, including the legendary Gipsy Moth IV, the high-performance TP52 Gladiator, Dunkirk Little Ship Tahilla, Oyster Dama de Noche, and Spirit Yachts’ Oui Fling, beneath the raised bascules of Tower Bridge.

A historic moment for St Katharine Docks, with both bridges up and lock gates down, 22 vessels passed through the lock at free flow, and were welcomed by a burst of clapping by the marina team and spectators gathered on lock side. A fitting finale saw the 129-year-old, 36-metre gaff ketch sailing yacht Cariad, make a grand locking-in to the St Katharine Docks.

Invited guests at HMS President, spectators on a dedicated Uber Boat, and crowds gathered along Tower Bridge and the surrounding docks were all able to enjoy the 1600m long procession of yachts dressed overall. The festivities concluded with a lively floating pontoon party in the central basin of St Katharine Docks Marina, hosted in honour of the occasion.

A message released from the yacht club read “The Royal Thames Yacht Club extends its heartfelt thanks to West India Docks and especially to St Katharine Docks for welcoming the fleet, as well as to the Port Authority of London for their operational support.”

“It’s not every day you witness a pageant of such scale making its way up the River Thames,” said Rear Commodore Sailing, Tom Partridge. “A tremendous amount of work and preparation went into making it happen, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. It was a true joy to be part of, and it was clear that spectators lining the riverbanks thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. For us, it marked a standout moment in our 250th Anniversary celebrations – a day that will remain in our memories for years to come.”