Olympic Boat Party to join 2012 celebrations 

Sign up for Britain's biggest waterborne street party.

Boaters are have been invited to sign up for Britain’s biggest waterborne street party and become part of a flotilla of hundreds of boats that are anticipated to arrive in London in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Brightly painted narrowboats will join superyachts and cruisers to create a celebratory atmosphere on London’s docks, rivers and canals. The capital will welcome boats from all over the UK, as well as seagoing craft that are crossing the Channel from Germany, France, Holland and Belgium.

In response to research which shows significant demand, British Waterways have launched a booking website offering boaters temporary towpath moorings at key canal, river and dock locations across London during summer 2012.

Jon Guest, British Waterways’ London waterway manager, comments: “Boats have played a big role in many events throughout Britain’s history, and I’m delighted that they’ll be bringing colour and their unique character to London’s Olympic celebrations. Boat owners intend to travel to the capital from all over the country and beyond for this once-in-a-lifetime event, ensuring the waterways will be a vibrant place to explore during the Olympic summer.

“It’s easy to walk to the Olympic Park from the moorings on the River Lee and Hertford Union Canal and a short DLR ride from moorings in Docklands, whilst the Regent’s and Grand Union canals are close to Central London’s attractions. One thing that’s for sure is that the quintessentially British pastime of boating will be right at the heart of the Olympic party for those that want to enjoy it, and I’d encourage visitors to head down to the waterways and soak up the atmosphere.”

To browse the moorings available and book online visit www.waterscape.com/londonboats2012

Click here for more information on starting boating in Narrowboats and information on the Canal & River Trust