How it Started

2011 Jake Frith, then editor of Sailing Today magazine and keen rower attended as well as giving instruction in the week prior to the event.

In 2012 we were honoured to have much respected and just retired scout leader Greg Thorne start the race.

2013 was the year that we welcomed canoes and kayaks to the event which saw a small but very diverse flotilla including elegantly long surf ski’s, K4’s that powered the length of the course, K1, Exploration kayaks, general purpose kayaks and a canoe crewed by 3 girls and a dog. Eat your heart out Jerome K. Jerome ! The event has evolved with computers and GPS to enhance the time keeping and a tannoy system to keep both spectators and competitors informed.

2014 was the topping on the cake, The weather was glorious, Hall & Woodhouse & The Jolly Sailor donated the beer, As one competitor said, “the Hamble River Raid has become a serious sporting event supported and put on by the local community without losing the element of fun that embraces all ages and skills.”

2015 saw OC6’s, six man outrigger canoes, Stand up paddlers and an increased fleet of Kayaks and Canoes. A real celebration of paddling in all forms!

The River Raid could not happen without the support of friends, parents and scouts, the Hamble Parish Council and River Hamble Harbour master and of course the competitors. Thank you all for taking part and making it the success it is.

When the Hamble River Raid started

In 2005 The Hamble River Raid was created to raise funds for a new roof to the Hamble Parish building used by Hamble Sea Scouts. Thanks to Bernie Wright, Hamble resident and at the time mayor of Eastleigh, this target was reached only to be replaced by further requirements of equipment for this excellent cause.

The Hamble River Raid has grown to be a major local annual spectacle on the river, uniting the immediate community and those from further afield in healthy fun on our most precious resource, the River Hamble and raising funds for local causes.

Since Berni kicked it off in 2005 we have been graced by numerous inspiring members of our community who have acted as starters, including;

  • Round the world record breaker Mike Golding who took the starters role in 2006,
  • David Pointer, donator of the first scout gig ’Point Source’,
  • BBC News reader Dani Sinha took a turn as cox.
  • Parish clerk, Kate Cullen,
  • Liberal parliamentarian Chris Huhne,
  • long distance ocean sailor Katie Miller in 2009
  • and Geoff Holt in 2010 after completing his amazing sailing exploits.
  • Jake Frith, then editor of Sailing Today magazine and keen rower attended as well as giving instruction in the week prior to the event.
  • In 2012 we were honoured to have much respected and just retired scout leader Greg Thorne start the race.

2013 was the year that we welcomed canoes and kayaks to the event which saw a small but very diverse flotilla including elegantly long surf ski’s, K4’s that powered the length of the course, K1, Exploration kayaks, general purpose kayaks and a canoe crewed by 3 girls and a dog. Eat your heart out Jerome K. Jerome !

Additional reports can be found further on in this site...

Evolution and Today

The Hamble River Raid has evolved with volunteers manning computers and GPS to enhance the time keeping and a tannoy system to keep both spectators and competitors informed. 2014 was the topping on the cake, The weather was glorious, Hall & Woodhouse & The Jolly Sailor donated the beer, As one competitor said, “the Hamble River Raid has become a serious sporting event supported and put on by the local community without losing the element of fun that embraces all ages and skills.”

2015 saw OC6’s, six man outrigger canoes, Stand up paddlers and an increased fleet of Kayaks and Canoes. A real celebration of paddling in all forms!

2016 was the most challenging year yet for both competitors and organisers and was noted for being the wettest and windiest Raid recorded. We were honoured to have David and Christine Hopkins, respected River residents and time served boat builder and surveyor to assist with the start and judging.

The River Raid could not happen without the support of friends, parents and scouts, the Hamble Parish Council and River Hamble Harbour master and of course the competitors. Thank you all for taking part and making it the success it is.