About

The apprentice race covers 7 miles of river from Greenwich Reach to Westminster Bridge. The barges row under ten of London’s Bridges & eight of these are accessible to pedestrians making them excellent vantage points to see the race.

The best views of the race are from the Thames Barge Driving Trusts official following boat. This year the following boat will be M.V Mercia, a large passenger vessel with a spacious saloon & large open deck, toilet facilities & a fully licensed bar. Mercia’s open top deck is the perfect vantage point to see the race & London’s landmarks. Mercia will embark passengers at Greenwich Pier at 12:15. At 12:30 Mercia will depart & cruise for four hours following the race from Greenwich upriver past Canary Wharf, through the City of London & into the City of Westminster. The well-stocked bar will be open for the duration of the cruise serving a range of beers, ciders, wines, spirits & soft drinks at pub prices. After the race Mercia will return to Greenwich between 16:15 -16:30 to disembark passengers.