Seafarers Sailing Club's Oarsome crew took third in the Bursledon Gig class at the 2026 Great River Race, 59th of 268 entries. Rowsea finished eighth in class.
A rowing crew from Hill Head finished third in its class at the 2026 Great River Race. Oarsome, one of two Bursledon Gigs sent by Seafarers Sailing Club, took third place in the Bursledon Gig class. The club’s second gig, Rowsea, came eighth.
The two crews ranged in age from 53 to 80. They raced among 268 entries, which the club says included many larger boats from around Europe.
The results
Oarsome covered the course in 3 hours 21 minutes and 51 seconds. Rowsea finished in 3 hours 40 minutes and 50 seconds.
| Crew | Time | Overall on handicap | Bursledon Gig class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oarsome | 3h 21m 51s | 59th of 268 | 3rd |
| Rowsea | 3h 40m 50s | 133rd of 268 | 8th |
The club says both crews also recorded strong results in the four-oared and mixed veteran categories.
“Immensely proud”
Lesley Charlton, of Seafarers Sailing Club, said: “We are immensely proud of both crews. The Great River Race is a real test of teamwork, preparation and determination.”
She said the results “reflect the commitment put in by everyone involved”.
Who was in the boats
The club sent us short biographies of both crews, written in its own words.
Oarsome
“This crew certainly knows its way around water! Between them they have decades of sailing experience,” the club writes.
It describes the crew like this:
- Kay “spent years exploring the French canals from the Somme to Le Midi and sailing around Greece.”
- Carol “has swapped sailing for rowing and, after a lifetime on the water, has discovered that rowing is as much about friendship and fun as getting from A to B.”
- Ree “has gone a step further, kayaking the entire Thames from source to sea, so she should at least know where we’re going!”
- Lesley “brings adventure, having travelled to 81 countries and islands and explored the subaquatic world as a scuba diver.”
- Julie “brings balance as a yoga teacher, green fingers as a gardener and a talent for baking to keep the crew fuelled!”
- Mark “brings underwater experience from his time as a submariner. These days he’s happier seeing the sky but still loves teamwork.”
“With such experience, adventure and enthusiasm, this really is one awesome crew who were ready to take on the Thames, pull together and show just how ‘Oarsome’ they can be!”
Rowsea
The club calls Rowsea “an eclectic crew” that “brought an unusual mix of talents, adventures and questionable life choices to the Great River Race!”
- Jeanie “has proved she’s not your average Nanna, throwing herself off a 4m ledge into a diving pool during a sea survival course.”
- Michaela “may prefer sewing and crochet but don’t be fooled by the crafty exterior: she has a full motorbike licence and has taken to the track at Donington.”
- Sam “brings French sophistication, having lived and worked in Paris for five years.”
- Viv, “the oldest (and in her words, wisest!) crew member, has a special bond with the Thames, having grown up in London.”
- Janet “is our real-life Shirley Valentine, still happily married to her ‘Turkish delight’ after 32 years.”
- Les, “the crew’s only bloke, modestly claims he’s here because he’s the best-looking person in the boat!”
“With this much character, adventure and banter, they made quite an impression on the Thames!”
What it means for you
Seafarers Sailing Club is based in Hill Head and rows Bursledon Gigs as well as sailing. Anyone who wants to know more can contact Lesley Charlton at lesleycharlton@mac.com.
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