Exciting opportunities at Deptford’s AHOY Centre

The AHOY Centre based on the Thames at Deptford is continuing to grow and expand its rowing activities through its ‘Pulling Together’ programme. The AHOY now has nine Waterman Cutters based at its Centre with a further two expected in the beginning of 2014.

The Waterman Cutter is a fixed-seat rowing craft 34 feet long for six rowers and cox. These cutters are strong, fast and light and whilst essentially a racing craft, they are also used for training, casual rowing and traditional Regattas. Their ease of handling and stability makes them suitable for safe use by a wide range of rowing enthusiasts – there are now 30 based on the River Thames alone.

AHOY already runs various rowing challenges, team building events and rowing training courses both on and off the water. It has a state of the art dry rowing gym with 18 Concept II rowing machines that are interfaced and linked for team rowing, training, competitive leagues and competitions with overhead projector displays for team events. This allows for not only internal competitions, but also for rowing with other clubs and rowing organisations throughout Britain and across the world.

The AHOY has now also commenced building its own Waterman Cutters through its Apprenticeship project. This is providing real job skills and is essential – especially in an area in which unemployment levels are still significantly above the national average for people aged under 25. The Apprenticeships will provide each successful Apprentice the opportunity to gain the skills and qualifications not only to secure a job within the marine industry but also in the general construction industry.

The River Thames is arguably one of the most underutilised capital rivers in Europe and, for Londoners, provides the perfect recreational area resource that is sitting on their doorstep. The opportunity is there for all to enjoy. 

The AHOY Centre is available to all and its present rowers come from all walks of life. So if you are interested in taking up rowing and becoming part of a team whether it be for keeping fit, casual rowing or competing in competitions/races then call and have a chat. 

Anyone that it is interested in either rowing or buying a boat please contact Sharon Murphy by email: [email protected] or telephone 020 8691 7502.

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