Classic Boat Festival returns to St Katharine Docks this September

The 14th edition of the annual Classic Boat Festival is returning to London’s St Katharine Docks for two days, from 9-10 September 2023.

The annual boating extravaganza will see over 40 vintage vessels assemble in the central basin of the marina in London. This year, the array of vessels includes the war heroes, the Dunkirk Little Ships; Sir Alec Rose’s famous sailing yacht Lively Lady; the favourite yacht of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ author Arthur Ransome, the Nancy Blackett; and the 120-year-old Thames sailing barge Gladys.

There is also a programme of live music, food, nautical goods, talks and kids’ activities on offer throughout the 2023 Classic Boat Festival.

Visitors will be able to view the vessels at water level and meet their owners, with each day marked with an opening and closing salute of horns. Talks will be held on the St Katharine Docks Events Platform, with hosts including marine broadcaster Tom Cunliffe (at midday on Sunday).

Onshore at Marble Quay, musicians from the Thames Youth Jazz Orchestra will be entertaining visitors, whilst the marine collectables and antiques seller, David Worthington of The Motorboat Gallery, will be displaying his wares. On the water, Paddleboarding London will be offering free stand-up paddleboarding taster sessions.

There will be 19 Dunkirk Little Ships on display at this year’s festival. The ‘Little Ships’ participated in Operation Dynamo during World War II, evacuating soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in the north of France, between 26 May-4 June 1940.

“We look forward to welcoming all visitors onboard our Little Ships to help us remember Dunkirk 1940 and the huge influence it had on the outcome of the war,” says commodore of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, Kevin Finn.

On display will also be several examples from the Bates Star Craft and Rampart motorboat ranges, alongside impressive ex-working vessels, such as ex-Port of London Authority flagship and Winston Churchill funeral barge Havengore and the tugs Kent and Barking.

A selection of modern vessels will join the lineup, with 20-metre Navy P2000 ship HMS Dasher and one of London’s MET Marine Police Unit Targa motorboats on display.