The superbly-restored 1943 Montagu Whaler VANCOUVER is back at Limehouse from May 2008 to be rowed again weekday evenings on the East End canals and the River Thames, sailed on the river whenever our diaries and conditions permit, and trailed to places and events of interest. She’s had a year away down at Greenwich Yacht Club on a tidal mooring which, although far less costly than Limehouse, proved impractical because the tides preclude regular evening use on the river, but she was enjoyed at weekends during that time by the GYC rowing crew.

We’ve changed our name, from the alliterative Wapping Whalers to the more informative London Whalers, as more passers-by on the Web will know where London is. As before, we’ll build ourselves up over the year for London’s annual Great River Race — a 22-mile jaunt from Richmond to Greenwich in September, in company with some 300 other traditional rowing craft. But there are other events also which we’re either committed to or considering. We’re definitely going to south Wales in June for Seafair — a huge week-long traditional boat rally featuring 200-plus craft from square-riggers down to cockleshells, in the beautiful and sheltered Milford Haven. And there is also the annual Eddystone Challenge — a 25-mile round trip from Plymouth, out to sea around Eddystone Lighthouse, and back — later in the year. More details of these events will be found elsewhere on this site, plus all you could want to know about pulling and sailing in the Montagu Whaler.

Is this activity for you? Quite possibly if you got this far. We’re looking for committed crew who will turn up most weeks to row — all year round mind — and contribute to the costs of mooring, maintaining and insuring our boat. Considering that rowing is a superb form of impact-free whole-body exercise, we think the cost is a small one and hope you’ll agree. Crew slots may also be available for one-off events away from London. Whilst previous experience is handy it isn’t strictly necessary; neither is brute strength, nor youth. More important are a willingness to learn the basic techniques and teamwork required, and a commitment to show up on time and not let down the rest of the crew. Over-18s of both genders and all ethnic groups are welcome — this is a social thing as well as a form of exercise. Some affinity for our local pub, The Grapes at Limehouse, will be found useful.

Naturally you might like to give it a try before committing yourself further, and you’ll be welcome along. Please read through this site for the full picture regarding organisation, technique, safety and costs, and contact us if you’re interested.