Thames A-class rater

The class is a development of the Half Rater, which was designed by Linton Hope and Alfred Burgoyne in 1907.

The rater is extremely fast, planes easily, and is a technically highly challenging boat to sail in anything above moderate wind conditions.

Raters have traditionally commuted by river under tow between Thames Sailing Club at Surbiton and Upper Thames Sailing Club at Bourne End, Buckinghamshire.

Mixed in with large fleets of other boats, the raters are usually seen at the following regattas with very tight, close quarters racing.

Presented by Queen Victoria in 1893 the race is set to be nine miles with a four-hour time limit.