Rowers from Bridport Gig Rowing Club have hailed a 'unique' and 'beautiful' experience after participating in a flotilla honouring the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The rowing club, based at West Bay, had the honour of being the only Dorset club at the illuminated flotilla along the River Thames.
The occasion had originally been planned as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations however Thames Alive, organisers, made the decision to proceed with the event as a fleet of reflection.
More than 150 boats took part last Saturday- all decorated in glistening white lights - and were led by the Queen's very own row barge 'Gloriana'.
Gloriana, commissioned as a tribute to the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, was rowed by oarsmen including Ben Fogle.
Throughout the flotilla, the Thames was transformed into a river of light as part of a moving work of art.
Eight members of BGRC manned the Cornish Pilot Gig ‘Bathsheba’: the vessel was coxed by Peter Slimon and rowed by Tom Jones, Cat Macphee, Robbie McElhinney, Lesley Tibballs, Simon Crafter, Michelle Sage, and Andrew Crawford.
Lesley Tibballs said the event was a 'beautiful experience oozing with comradeship and light' whilst Robbie McElhinney described it as "a real honour" to take part in the event.
Peter Slimon, cox, said: "(It was) amazing to salute with oars and three cheers the King whilst sitting under a beautifully illuminated Tower Bridge.
The fleet started at Albert Bridge, before floating down the river, through central London and passing under seven river bridges - all of which were beautifully lit by a special display created by the lighting artist Leo Villareal.
A spokesperson for Bridport Gig Rowing Club said: "The bridges and banks were lined with spectators who cheered their encouragement as the boats glided by.
"The highlight was Tower Bridge which opened in salute and looked spectacular bathed in purple light, to commemorate the Queen.
"Reflections is thought to be first illuminated flotilla on the Thames for over 300 years.
"The flotilla also aimed to raise funds for the RNLI, with the money going towards a new lifeboat station on the Thames, at Waterloo."
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