On Wednesday, 10th September 2025, the River Thames hosted the 311th Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager.

The Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager was established in 1715 and has now been contested by watermen and lightermen for more than 300 years, making it the oldest continuous race in any sport. Combining tough competition, heritage, and pageantry, the Doggett’s Wager is one of the UK’s most unique events, with winners going on to long careers on the water, and in some cases racing for Great Britain, or ceremonial duties for the Royal Family. It is organised collaboratively by The Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames.

We were honoured to once again supply the boats and oars for this prestigious event. This year marked an exciting milestone, as the Company of Watermen and Lightermen invested in a new fleet of WinTech Explorer 24 singles to ensure competitors had the best possible platform on race day.

Reflecting on the investment, Julie Lithgow, Clerk of the Watermen’s Company, said:

“The investment in the new WinTech Explorer 24 racing singles from Oarsport was truly transformational for this year’s Doggett’s Coat and Badge race. With rainy, choppy, and windy conditions on the river, the broader and more stable design of these boats gave our rowers the confidence and platform to achieve excellent times despite the adverse weather.”

We are immensely proud to be chosen as the trusted supplier for such a historic and meaningful race. The Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager embodies endurance, heritage, and determination values we share deeply as a brand.

This year's race saw three maritime professionals compete against each other along the fast-flowing tidal Thames in single sculls. Over the course, they passed under eleven of London's most iconic bridges, racing upriver over 4 miles and 5 furlongs (7.44 km) between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier in Chelsea. It was one of the closest and hardest fought races of recent years with just 90 seconds separating the competitors.