Coran Cherry wins World’s oldest boat race
30 September 2025
The race saw three maritime professionals compete against each other along the fast-flowing tidal Thames in single sculls. Over the course, they passed under eleven of London's most iconic bridges, racing upriver over 4 miles and 5 furlongs (7.44 km) between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier in Chelsea. It was one of the closest and hardest fought races of recent years with just 90 seconds separating the competitors.
In second place was Jack Finelli of Medway Towns Rowing Club. He first raced Doggett’s in 2019, and this is the 27-year-old’s second attempt. He is also an amateur boxer and works as a Captain on tugs and workboats for CPBS Marine Services. In third place was 27-year-old Charlie Milward, also from Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club. Charlie started rowing recently and works as a High-Speed Master for Uber Boats by Thames Clippers.
Sean Collins, CEO of Thames Clippers and the Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, who is also a Doggett’s winner from 1990, said: “The three rowers demonstrated grit and determination delivering their best performance, congratulations to the winner Coran and thanks to the coaches that have supported all three, without their hard work we would not have seen such a well contested race.”
The oldest boat race in the world, Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager was established in 1715 and has now been contested by watermen and lightermen for more than 300 years, making it the oldest continuous race in any sport. Combining tough competition, heritage, and pageantry, the Doggett’s Wager is one of the UK’s most unique events, with winners going on to long careers on the water, and in some cases racing for Great Britain, or ceremonial duties for the Royal Family. It is organised collaboratively by The Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. It is overseen by race Umpire Bobby Prentice, the Bargemaster to the Fishmongers’ and a former Doggett’s winner, who set the course record of 23 minutes 22 seconds in 1973.