Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2023: notice of event
Published 13 March 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/devizes-to-westminster-canoe-race-2023-notice-of-event/devizes-to-westminster-canoe-race-2023-notice-of-event
When
Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April 2023.
Where
Blakes Lock to Teddington Lock.
Details
Throughout this weekend, between Reading and Teddington, it is likely you will encounter canoeists participating in the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster canoe race. The race is an endurance event requiring many competitors to complete the course non-stop. The average duration is between 17 and 25 hours.
By the time the competitors reach the River Thames at Reading they will already have paddled 53 miles and portaged 56 times on the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is possible they will be suffering the effects of fatigue and they still have 72 miles to go.
The effect of wash from powered boats can put the canoeists at greater risk of capsize, so please show consideration. When in the vicinity of canoes Think ahead – slow down and check your wash.
Byelaws
Nothing contained in these directions shall supersede those parts of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 and the UK Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 as may be relevant. Particular attention should be paid to byelaws 24-42 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993, Steering Sailing and Speed.
And Notice is hereby given, that it is provided by Byelaw 52 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 that:
The master of any vessel shall except in an emergency not pass any boat-race regatta public procession or gathering for the launch of a vessel or any other event or function which may cause a crowd to assemble on or by the river nor station his vessel thereon in such a manner as would risk obstructing impeding or interfering with such boat-race regatta procession launching event or function or endangering the safety of persons assembling on the river or preventing or interfering with the maintenance of order thereon.
The maximum penalty for breach of the Byelaws is £1,000.
Read our Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993