YACHTING ON THAMES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1939, Page 2

YACHTING ON THAMES

MANY FACILITIES PROVIDED. An article in the July "Port of London Authority Monthly” deals with the numerous craft on the Thames which are not sternly associated with business —the private yachts and sailing vessels. “Whilst the River Thames is primarily a commercial port, and the facilities provided by the P.L.A. are mainly for vessels engaged in carrying cargo and passengers, it is used by a very, large number of Londoners who own private craft. Over 1,300 of these arc members of 17 yacht and sailing clubs situated on the riverside between Teddington and the Nore. Eleven of them cater principally for owners of sailing yachts and hold regular races lor them; five are for those of modest means who run converted ships' lifeboats, ex-naval hulls, and other inexpensive craft; whilst there is one upriver club to which owners of more pretentious motor yachts and cruisers belong. "No fewer than six of London's yacht clubs have their headquarters in converted sailing vessels, barges. and other roomy craft, the remainder owning club houses overlooking the river or estuary. All the clubs have a strong social section, and dinners, dances, lectures, and other functions are organised during the winter. "Over 100 cruiser owners have joined the River Emergency Services organised by the P.L.A. for the protection of riverside property and commercial vessels in the event of war, and a number have offered their boats for the London Auxiliary Fire Service. ’