Images: Harry Cordeaux
Nothing compares to the oldest continually run rowing race in the world: the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager. First raced on the Thames over 300 years ago, the race takes place under a rolling river closure beginning just under London Bridge and finishing at Cadogan pier in Chelsea. Competitors row in single sculls through central London, contending with waves, swells and strong currents, in a modern racing shell that is barely wider than a wellington boot.
Over the years, this race has fostered a truly special community. Those working within the Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen and their families come together each year to support this age-old tradition of racing.
For me, my family connection only adds to the majesty of the race, with my great-great cousin, Albert Thomas Moss, finishing second in the 1907 race.
This year saw was a straight shoot-out between two competitors: Ronnie Richardson on the black station, and Coran Cherry on the white station. Both competitors marshalled in the shadow HMS Belfast, before being moved into position by the umpire aboard launch Sarahanne. The first part of the race saw both competitors battle it out side-by-side, though close-proximity racing was short lived as Richardson pulled away from Cherry shortly after Southwark bridge, securing a comfortable lead for the next few kilometres of the race.
As time went on and the competitors began to slow, the gap between Richardson and Cherry only grew, prompting the umpire to overtake Cherry and leave him behind at the back of the race. Despite this, spectators aboard the launch ‘Elizabethan’ and fans lining the riverbank and bridges ensured Cherry was never truly alone, and was given the support he needed to finish the race. At over 11km in length, the Wager is no easy challenge!
Rowers can – in theory – gain a huge advantage along the course by sculling on the inside of the bends of the river where the course is shorter, rather than remaining in the middle. However, this rarely happens as the current – not to mention the various moorings and bridge arches – push rowers away from the banks.
Conditions were not favourable either, with moderate winds and rain throughout marshalling, the race itself and the award ceremony.
Both competitors made it to the finish at Cadogan pier, with about a five-minute gap between winner Richardson and runner-up Cherry for a brief awards ceremony on the pier, after which the party boarded the Elizabethan for a more in-depth presentation and congratulations from previous winners of the Wager.
Ronnie was awarded a red coat and badge, as well as a timepiece from Harold Pinchbeck Watches.
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