37TH RNLI GREAT WATERSIDE RAFT RACE 2025

Dan Poole, fundraising branch press officer, said: “Although only 8 rafts competed this year, there were hundreds of spectators lining the marina, pier and Prospect Place park. The raffle took over £800 and approximately £550 was taken on RNLI souvenirs, both excellent sums. It will be a few days before everything is collected and counted but it looks to be yet another very impressive year for funds raised. Although the sun shone, the wind made for an interesting day – for competitors and spectators alike!”

Ebenezers were, once more, the winners of the Ashmore Cup for best overall effort, after taking the majority of the prizes. However, the Dusty Barrel comfortably won the first race, the Decorated race. Ebenezers took the trophy as winners of the Formula 1 race, with, ironically, Gentleman’s Club winning the Ladies race. The Pub race was won by Ebenezers and Chris Hendy won the Kayak race. The Big race was also won by Ebenezers, followed by Gentleman’s Club in second and The Dusty Barrel in third. The Most Ingenious Trophy went to Gentleman’s Club and the Best Presented Raft trophy went to Hair by Emma Franzese and HMA.

Our Main Sponsor, TMT Legal Services LLP, had a stall with lots of goodies given away, as well as RNLI Face to Face and Sea Safety stalls. Also at the raft race was hot food, ice-cream, a Pimm’s bar, Howley’s Coffee and Vibrant Brewery beer, plus Fred Olsen Cruises.  Before the presentation of the trophies and medals by TMT and Julian Lewis MP, the raffle was drawn, where several excellent prizes were won.

Commentary was once again superbly covered by John McGuinn. PM Diving Services kindly provided the safety boat service. Thanks also to John Longland for the engraving of the trophies, St John’s Ambulance for the first aid tent, and finally, a big thank you to Hythe Marina Village for providing the excellent venue, help and assistance. The RNLI Calshot Lifeboat crew were also on hand to help, until a timely ‘shout’ called them away.

Since it began in the 1980s, the race is organised annually by RNLI Hythe and Calshot Fundraising Branch with just the odd year missed due to poor weather conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Branch would like to take this opportunity to thank sponsors, volunteers, and competitors for all their hard work and kind support, not forgetting the many spectators for their continued generosity.

Branch Chairman and Raft Race lead organiser: Terry Ashmore

Branch Press Officer: Dan Poole

See our facebook page:  RNLI Great Waterside Raft & Kayak Race