Submitted by admin on 01 February 2002
Posted in
The Thames Traditional Rowing Association (TTRA) in conjunction with Her Majesty the Queen's Barge Master and the Royal Watermen are planning to build an oar-powered Royal Barge in honour of Her Majesty in her Golden Jubilee Year.
At the express wish of The Queen this craft, otherwise known as the Royal Shallop, will be a multi-purpose vessel to be used in both ceremonial and recreational ways and adaptable to cater for both able-bodied and disabled rowers.
In order to do this, the TTRA have formed a charitable Trust to fund raise for the Royal Shallop and to manage its use. This is called the "Jubilant Trust".
This project will be in keeping with the TTRA's ambition to promote traditional fixed seat rowing to the widest possible audience. It will provide an opportunity not only for teaching but will also appear in a ceremonial role for pageants and regattas, adding lustre to the varied and numerous events on the river Thames each year. It will thus provide the Jubilant Trust's clients with an opportunity hitherto unavailable to them by being included in major fixed seat rowing events.
Although traditional skills are to be used in the construction, the materials and methods will be modern and meet modern safety standards. She will be sturdy and safe, while maintaining the traditional look of a ceremonial Royal Barge.
The "Jubilant" will be 43 feet long and 7-foot beam. Fitted with a state cabin she will be able to carry ten passengers. There will be rowing positions for eight and stations for a barge master and a "Whiffler".
The TTRA intend to introduce the barge to the Thames on 14 September 2002 at a special event. Her name is to be "Jubilant" to commemorate the Golden Jubilee.
The event is called "The Celebration of Time". It will call upon the extensive Maritime Heritage of London and provide an occasion of celebration for the Thames.