A new use for the New River

Model boat race taking place this weekend
By James Cracknell

The New River as it passes through Harringay

The world-famous Boat Race on the Thames may have already taken place, but residents in Haringey will have a chance to take part in their own unique version this weekend.

The New River, originally constructed in the 1600s to deliver fresh drinking water to London, will play host to a model boat race this Saturday (23rd) called ‘The New River Regatta’.

Organised by local artist Rory Watts, the race is a free and open event for all to enjoy. Anyone with an electric model boat can register for a racing licence via the New River Regatta website (newriverregatta.com) for the chance to win £50 in cash as a prize for first place.

The regatta event is split into two stages, with the first race known as ‘Lothair Loop’ starting at 1pm at the intersection of Lothair Road North and Lothair Road South. The second race, dubbed ‘Finsbury Fury’ will commence at 3pm with team pilots standing on the footbridge that crosses the New River in Finsbury Park.

The event is intended to celebrate the historically amazing feat of engineering that is the New River. Organiser Rory said: “The New River is not actually a river, it is a man-made aqueduct that began its ideation under the reign of Elizabeth 1.

“We shouldn’t take the New River for granted! We should recognise just how lucky we are to be living next to this historic monument and feel even more grateful that we can enjoy it in new and interesting ways like a model boat race.”

Rory Watts is a software designer and founder of music label Shibumi Records. Any profits raised from the New River Regatta event will be donated to local creative charities in the interest of building good local culture in Haringey.

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