PLA News Releases
Recreation
News releases related to Thames recreational activities
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Four newly-qualified River Thames watermen will take to the river in central London at 2pm on Wednesday 4 September for the 2019 Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager, the oldest rowing race in the world.
Read more![Thames watermen battle it out for historic rowing title](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/image004.jpg)
Identical training sister ships – last together more than 15 years ago – have been reunited in central London thanks to the Port of London Authority (PLA) and Canal & River Trust.
Read more![Sister ships reunited after Port of London Authority steps in](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/rigel1jpg.jpg)
Four recently-qualified watermen will battle it out on the River Thames in central London on 4 September in the annual Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager, the oldest rowing race in the world, started in 1715.
Read more![2019 line-up revealed for historic race for River Thames apprentices](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/pladoggetts170725wm24-1.jpg)
A new wave of investment, funded by the Port of London Authority (PLA), is helping clubs up and down the tidal Thames get more people involved in sport on the river.
Read more![Extra funding flows for watersports clubs on tidal Thames](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/plasportsgrant-main.jpg)
A pontoon, funded by the Port of London Authority (PLA), is helping the growing membership of Benfleet Yacht Club (BYC) set sail safely.
Read more![Benfleet Yacht Club buoyed by new pontoon](/assets/milesonbycpontoonwithrower.jpg)
A new one-stop shop safety guide for tidal Thames rowers, kayakers, canoeists and stand-up paddle boarders is available from the Port of London Authority (PLA).
Read more![Tidal Thames rowing and paddling safety guide sets sail](https://server1.pla.co.uk/portal/getAsset.cfm?filename=pic.jpg)
HRH The Duke of Cambridge took to the Thames in central London today (21 May) to highlight a new campaign enlisting the public’s help in preventing accidents and self-harm incidents on the tidal river.
Read more![Prince William backs safer Thames campaign](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/william7.jpg)
More than 250 river stakeholders came together for the Port of London Authority (PLA) annual reception on 12 March. At event, PLA chairman, Christopher Rodrigues delivered a speech covering the key themes of investment, pilotage and jobs. The full text of the speech follows.
Read more![PLA Annual Reception – 12 March 2019 Chairman, Christopher Rodrigues’ Speech](https://www.pla.co.uk/assets/cjrresized.png)
Grants totalling £40,000 are being offered to organisations working hard to increase participation in rowing, paddling and other sports on the tidal Thames.
Read more![Cash flows for clubs promoting sports on tidal Thames to a wider audience](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/elatedyoungrowersgetbacktodryland2.jpg)
An annual awards ceremony which recognises safe rowing practices on the tidal Thames, has seen its top award go to Mortlake Anglian and Alpha Boat Club (MAABC).
Read more![Rowing safety awards 2018 - Mortake club scoops first prize](https://server1.pla.co.uk/assets/rowingxxx.jpg)