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...