The Tideway in London

This is the scene at Putney where the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race starts.

The weekend before the boat race there is a timed race over the course for Rowing and Boat Clubs. On Saturday 3500 oarsman race and on Sunday 2000 veterans take part. It claims to be the largest sporting event in London

And yes I steered an eight down course yesterday as I have for the last 35 odd years. I won't bore you with the result but we did finish!

This was the scene half an hour before we boated, Even the Thames in London can look an appealing place at time and the Spring colours and blue skies help.

A hour later it was absolute chaos with 230 boats and a hail storm! English weather