A SPECTACULAR rowing race will be held in Maldon this weekend as part of an annual event organised by the Maldon Little Ship Club.

The club host their sponsored row and gig race for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution every year in January, with this year’s taking place on Saturday.

The race will be full of stand up paddle boards, kayaks and dinghies along with four man rowing gigs which will be doing a longer course.

Each event has a different theme, with many boat crews coming down and taking part in fancy dress. This year’s theme will be the Viking era.

The event has often drawn huge crowds and support from Maldon residents, who line Hythe Quay and the shores of Promenade Park to watch.

The start from the Viking Saga “river cruise” jetty is best viewed from the park, with the River Blackwater looking at its best with a high spring tide, with more than 50 crafts expected to be on the water.

Many crews will be in Viking fancy dress and the fleet will be supported by escort boats from Blackwater Sailing Club and Maldon and District Sea Cadets.

The West Mersea lifeboat should be present and the steam launch Sea Otter usually graces the river for this nautical charity event.

Last year’s event was the club’s 50th anniversary of the event which was held on New Year’s Eve, which managed to raise a huge £189,000 for the RNLI.

John Rogers, one of the organisers, said: “Please support the ‘Row Race’ as it is affectionately called.

“It is a good excuse for the family to have a brisk winter’s walk along Maldon’s Prom Park whilst watching some spectacular entertainment on the river.

“At the same time you will have an opportunity to contribute to the RNLI whose lifeboats and lifeguards keep our shores and estuaries safe for all to enjoy.”

The race will begin at 1.30pm on Saturday, with boat crews arriving from 12.30pm.

Visit www.mlsc.org.uk.