London's AHOY Centre Charity wants representatives of the maritime sector to get back on the water to raise money to help disadvantaged and at-risk young people.

The charity, based on the River Thames at Deptford, is arranging events in June and July, after having activities halted by the pandemic.

The AHOY Centre provides opportunities for kids to become involved in rowing and sailing, often the preserve of the wealthier residents of the capital and elsewhere.

"Like other group activities, the centre has had to adapt over the past year, organising individual challenges with regular supporters", the centre said.

Meridian Pull in June

Now, with restrictions slowly lifting, it is pencilling in an 8.5-mile (13.6-km) race on 29 June. For the Meridian Pull from Chelsea to Greenwich, the charity is seeking teams of six, with all training and a coxswain provided.

Then on 18 July, there is the Barrier Challenge, from Woolwich back to the AHOY base and through the Thames Barrier for teams of six, giving a unique view of London's industrial past and future.

The charity organises a series of rowing challenges on the Thames and in the English Channel, welcoming people from all walks of life who want to learn or restart their rowing.

Senior fundraiser Jonny Grady said: "Before the lockdown hit, we had teams from London’s insurance, shipping, law and finance community signed up to take on our rowing challenges, plans that we had to shelve."

He added: "We have continued to receive amazing individual support but with people creeping back to the office, we hope that these teams will feel the time is right to sign up for events later this year."

All races are subject to continuing lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

"The events take huge amounts of planning and preparation because we want them to be truly memorable for the participants as well as making a major contribution to our work," said Grady.

"The Port of London Authority is very supportive of what we do and now we are looking forward to getting teams back on the water."

Teams can find more information and sign up here.