Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2019: notice of event
Published 15 April 2019
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When
Friday 19 to Monday 22 April 2019.
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 nonstop.
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 as may be relevant.
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.