A CANNON will be fired to mark the start of a charity rowing event supporting the RNLI which is returning after a three year hiatus.

The Sponsored Row and Gig race is returning to Maldon Promenade Park this weekend.

The event has been organised by Maldon Little Ship Club for 45 years to raise money for the RNLI.

After a break due to Covid, the event is all set for its return.

Canoes, paddleboards, dinghies and more will be taking part in the race which can be watched by the public.

Many of those taking part will be in fancy dress for the occasion.

Large rowing gigs will head off first for a longer race and the smaller craft will race to the end of the Prom and back to Fullbridge.

A spokesman for the event said: “After a Covid enforced break, the popular Row and Gig race, which has been organised by Maldon Little Ship Club for 45 years to raise funds for the RNLI, returns to bring Maldon’s Hythe Quay and river alive in the depths of winter.

“The ‘Row Race’ as it is affectionately called has become firmly established as part of Maldon’s Maritime heritage and starts at the Viking Saga boat trips jetty near the tug Brent.

“The large rowing gigs start first, racing downriver to Hilly Pool Buoy off Heybridge Basin before returning to finish where they started.

“Meanwhile all manner of craft including paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and dinghies set off for the end of the Prom where they round a mark, before returning upriver to Fullbridge.

“After rounding a second mark they finish at the committee boat anchored opposite the quay."

Money raised will go to support lifesaving crews who volunteer with the RNLI. 

The spokesman added: “This is a sponsorship event where the crews, many in fancy dress, raise funds for the Lifeboats and Lifeguards who make our beaches, coasts and estuaries safer places to enjoy, as dramatically seen in the BBC TV series Saving Lives at Sea.

“The West Mersea Lifeboat, unless on a ‘shout’, always visits Maldon to give its support.”

The event is on Sunday, January 8 at 12.15pm.