Medway Barge Match - Saturday 31st May 2025

The Thames Sailing Barge Racing Season is underway with the first one being the annual Medway Barge Match which traditionally runs from Gillingham Pier to Medway Bell Buoy and return, a course distance of 29 miles.

Along with the Thames, the Medway Barge Match is one of the most historic races in the world.

Officially, the Medway Barge Match was established in 1880 and has been held almost every year since, only temporarily being halted for the World Wars.

There are a number of ways to participate in the match this year, either part of the racing crews aboard the historic working vessels as they try and put points on the Champion Barge League table for 2025 or as a spectator soaking up the whole field as race to the marks along the course.