Speed it like Beckham with new boat ride on Thames fast lane

 
The new high speed RIB, Thames Rockets passes under Tower Bridge.
Daniel Hambury
Lindsay Watling19 July 2013

Just like in a Bond movie — or David Beckham’s stylish arrival at the 2012 Olympics — thrill seekers can now take a speedboat ride on open water through central London.

Thames Rockets is a new 35mph service for the public — the first to operate on the river’s 10-mile high-speed zone between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.

Londoners and tourists alike can enjoy an exhilarating trip set to a soundtrack worthy of any action movie. As they view the capital from a new perspective, they will be played “Best of British” tunes such as Bohemian Rhapsody, the themes from Doctor Who and EastEnders, interspersed with the chimes of Big Ben and the unmistakable voices of the Queen, Mayor Boris Johnson and Professor Stephen Hawking, among others.

Entrepreneur Charlie Matheson, 36, came up with the idea and the Evening Standard was invited to be first to test it. He set up London RIB Voyages, using rigid inflatable boats, in 2006 and described his latest project as “liquid sunshine” — a tonic come rain or shine. After last year’s golden summer for the capital, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Games, he was inspired to keep showcasing the capital at its best, he said.

London Olympic Opening Ceremony. David Beckham on the speedboat taking torch up the Thames top the Olympic stadiums Picture by BBC/Pixel8000 07917221968
BBC

“It will be the talk of the town this summer, an unforgettable boat ride experience with a difference, which really celebrates the capital and all that’s great about Britain,” he added. “I wanted to gather up all that good feeling and pride surrounding the Olympics and present it through the ride.”

The high-speed stretch was designated a year ago when the Port of London drew up a bylaw to introduce speed limits along the river. A special licence is required to operate vessels at the top speed. Thames Rockets passengers are kitted out in waterproofs and life jackets before boarding the 12 metre-long, British-built glass fibre boat for the 40-minute, 20-mile trip from St Katharine Pier to the Thames Barrier and back, taking in sites including the City, Cutty Sark and the O2.

Open to the public from Saturday, July 27. Information or booking at londonribvoyages.com/thamesrockets (or call 020 7928 8933); £39.95 per adult, £29.95 per child (10-14 years).

'It made me feel like a Bond girl'

Fleet owner Charlie Matheson certainly knows how to make an entrance. I’m waiting at St Katharine Pier, expecting him to arrive on foot — until I see a shiny red speedboat zigzagging towards me, white water spraying up either side.

As he introduces himself, he promises an exhilarating boat trip and as we climb aboard and make our way out on to the river in the capable hands of head skipper Joe Dawson, I know it won’t disappoint.

Despite the compulsory life jacket — hardly glamorous — within minutes, with the breeze whipping my hair and the sun beating down, I feel like a Bond girl, or a Top Gear guest. Whizzing along at 35mph, veering left and right past London’s landmarks, it’s hold-on-tight stuff and the speed alone would satisfy the most seasoned thrill seeker. But it’s the perfectly timed, funny yet poignant soundtrack that, for me, really makes the experience.

The strains of Elgar’s Nimrod as we float through the Thames Barrier followed by the National Anthem and The Kinks’ Waterloo Sunset as the ride comes to an end leave me feeling wonderfully patriotic.

In the words of Oliver Twist, who also features on the soundtrack: “Please sir, I want some more.”

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