Diamond Jubilee Flotilla – Sneak Preview of Gloriana

You saw it on the North Bovey blog first! A preview of the new Royal Barge, Gloriana, to be used at next weeks Diamond Jubilee Flotilla on the Thames, of 1,000 boats, from across the Commonwealth.

She is currently moored at Richmond Bridge, undergoing final fitting at Mark Edwards’ boatyard – mainly just minor external trim to be finished, plus internal fitting out.  Powered by 18 oarsmen, including Sir Steven Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, she has back-up power from twin 10HP inboard engines and bow thrusters for mooring.  She is wooden hulled, traditionally built, and the goldwork is absolutely brilliantly dazzling in the sunlight – she really does look beautiful.  The plan for the Flotilla is that she will be almost at the head, rowed along at 4 knots, whilst some of the rest of us will have just have to keep up with just 4 oarsmen and four passengers aboard…. 

Attached are a few photos of her taken this morning at Richmond, whilst boating from the same pontoon.  Will she be finished in time for the Flotilla?  She will have to be, but knowing the boatyard, there are some long nights ahead, and probably some of the paint will still be wet next Sunday…!

If anyone is interested, timings for the Flotilla are attached, as well as the order of boats in the Flotilla.