Maldon: Annual rowing event raises £9,500 for RNLI

The Maldon Little Ship Club has staged the Sponsored Row and Gig Race for more than 45 years to raise funds for the RNLI.

This year, the event attracted 38 craft and 118 rowers, with a grand total of £9,500 raised.

The race took place at Maldon Hythe, with hundreds of spectators estimated to have been in attendance on the day.

As well as the fundraising element, there is also a competition for trophies and prizes being awarded to different classes of boat.

Fundraising - Some of the rowers on the day (Image: Submitted)

The Basin Oars Ladies team contributed £5,200 from their 200 Club, the Marconi gig Elletra raised £1,455 while Debbie Grafton raised £325 as an individual.

Participants also came in fancy dress, as characters including Willy Wonka, Bathing Belles and a probationary marine policewoman.

There were three under-16 cadet entries, from Maldon Sea Cadets.

The youngest rower, nine-year-old Rosa Finch, raised £350 in sponsorship.

The West Mersea lifeboat Just George visited the Hythe Quay in appreciation of the fundraising and Essex Marine Police turned out in support.

A spokesman for the Maldon Little Ship Club said: “MLSC thanks Blackwater Sailing Club for providing two escort boats with experienced crews who lay the turning marks and provide the essential safety cover with assistance from other boats.

“MLSC would also like to thank Marinestore for allowing boats to freely launch, Maldon District Council for allowing parking and use of the prom slipway and car parking. Also Maldon Gig Rowing Club who helped with the timings.

“MLSC thanks Andrew Lay, Maldon mayor, for presenting the prizes assisted by Stephen Nunn, president of Maldon RNLI.

“Finally, MLSC would like to thank all the spectators who lined the prom to give their support and the companies whose generosity enabled this Sponsored Row and Gig Race to take place and become an established part of Maldon’s maritime heritage.”