Hythe Cricket & Squash Club has teamed up with local construction company AW Construction to revive a Hythe rowing tradition with The Royal Row – a unique endurance challenge taking place during the final weekend of the Hythe Sports Festival.

Crews of footballers, cricketers, squash and racketball players, alongside AW Construction staff, will attempt to row 24 miles in traditional wooden boats from Rye to Hythe in a single day. Many haven’t been in a rowing boat for years.

Twenty-four miles is a long way.

Every crew wants to cross the finish line to a hero’s welcome. Every crew wants to top the sponsorship leaderboard. And, let’s be honest, every crew wants to win.

Supporters will be able to track the crews live throughout the day, following their progress from the start near Rye to the finish line at Ladies Walk Bridge in Hythe. The leading boats are expected to arrive from around 4pm, where a BBQ and community celebration will be waiting at the Club.

Whether you’re walking, cycling or relaxing by the canal, we’d love you to cheer the crews on along the route. Keep an eye on HCSC social media channels for live location updates.
Help Raise £10,000 for Community Sport.

Every crew is seeking sponsorship, and the fundraising competition is almost as fierce as the rowing.

Funds raised will help Hythe Cricket & Squash Club continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages to play football, cricket, squash and racketball in a safe and welcoming place.

£10,000 could fund coaching sessions and opportunities for more local people to enjoy sport, and help turn our ageing clubhouse into a more comfortable inclusive building.
If we reach our £10,000 target, we may be able to unlock additional investment from Sport England, doubling our money. Every donation counts. Every pound raised will help more local people enjoy playing sport, regardless of age, experience or background.

We expect blisters, tears, drama, questionable rowing techniques, endless demands for snacks and at least one team claiming they took a wrong turn.

Back a Boat. Sponsor their challenge. Cheer them on. Let’s get every boat across that finish line and raise a shed load of cash for community sport.

The Royal Row would not be possible without the support of Tom Locke, Karen Checksfield and colleagues at AW Construction, and HCSC Club Manager Tobie Davies.

Huge appreciation to Cllr Stephen Bailey, Hythe Town Council and The Hythe Venetian Fete Society for their support and loan of the boats.