Lady McAlpine was asked to ‘rescue’ the rally for 2015. The event you see today is borne out of her considerable experience and extraordinary energy. Her background is event organising, restoring old buildings and racing classic sports and racing cars.

After nine years of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival she continues to consciously steer clear of learning too much about boats, but being an artist with an engineer’s brain, is passionate that beautiful classic boats and the skills that created them should be preserved and passed on to the next generation.

We are honoured to have Sir Steve Redgrave, himself an owner of a beautiful, classic slipper launch, as Patron of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival.

Adam has served as a Judge for many years and Chief Judge since 2016. He was persuaded to become Co-Chairman in 2017. Unlike his counterpart, he has a deep and broad knowledge of classic boats and understands the judging process from all perspectives. Prior to becoming a Judge, he won ‘Best in Show’ on no less than three occasions, with different boats from his collection.

Adam works closely with the leading names in boat restoration and associated trades to provide a panel of Judges with an unrivalled level of experience in their respective fields.

John has been a long standing member of the previous committee responsible for the earlier incarnation of the event - the Thames Traditional Boat Rally. He also serves as the Middle Thames Branch Chairman of the River Thames Society.

Paul has been British Canoeing’s top man for over 23-years. In 1992 he was appointed CEO of the British Canoe Union having volunteered for the sport for 17 years. A hugely influential figure in almost every aspect of British canoeing, he has also taken an active behind-the-scenes role as consultant and advisor for the International Canoe Federation.
A very welcome addition to the TTBF team, Paul joined us as a volunteer in the HQ tent last year and busied himself counting the takings! We soon discovered his many other fields of expertise which he generously offered to bring the Trad. How could we refuse!

Lyndon is a genius, eccentric inventor and ‘amphibian’. He organises the vintage and classic cars, military encampment, air displays and - his real passion - the amphibious vehicles.