Thames Etiquette for New Sailors

Do’s and don’ts when sharing the river with paddlers, fishermen and dog-walkers

The River Thames is a wonderful place to learn to sail, but it’s also a busy corridor shared by a surprising cast of characters: paddleboarders, canoeists, rowers, fishermen, dog-walkers, swimmers (some more intentional than others), and the occasional inflatable unicorn convoy.

Good river etiquette is as important as good boat handling. When everyone understands how to behave around each other, the Thames stays friendly, predictable and safe. Here’s a simple guide for new dinghy sailors on how to share the river respectfully.

1. Give Paddleboarders More Space Than You Think

Paddleboards wobble. Even experienced paddlers have limited manoeuvrability and very little stability.

Do:

Give them a wider berth than you would a dinghy.
Make your course clear early—predictability is polite.
Smile and say hello if you pass close; it reassures them.

Don’t:

Cut in front of them at speed.
Assume they’ve seen you; many look down at the board, not ahead.

Remember: a startled paddleboarder becomes an instant swimmer.

2. Rowers Have Priority—and Limited Visibility

Rowers move quickly but face backwards, so they can’t see where they’re going. Their cox (if they have one) might, but many don’t.

Do:

Keep well clear of rowing crews’ racing lines.
Assume they haven’t seen you until proven otherwise.
Alter course early and positively if you need to avoid them.

Don’t:

Expect them to dodge you—they often can’t without losing rhythm.
Sail directly behind them; they stop suddenly.

If in doubt: steer early, not sharply.

3. Treat Fishermen with Great Respect (and Quiet Sails)

Fishermen treasure peace, and nothing ruins their day faster than a dinghy dragging a mainsheet across their line.

Do:

Pass behind them whenever possible.
Lower your voice as you go by—sound carries.
Look for rod tips and lines extending into the water.

Don’t:

Sail over a fishing line—you may discover exactly how quickly a Toura stops!
Blast music or shout loudly near their pegs.

A friendly wave usually goes a long way.

4. Dog-Walkers and Riverbank Users

You’ll often be sailing close to the bank in light winds or manoeuvring upstream.

Do:

Be aware of dogs in the water—they may swim out unexpectedly.
Allow space for paddle launches.
Watch for children playing at the water’s edge.

Don’t:

Gybe close to walkers—big movements of the boom can startle people.
Aim for the bank on a tack hoping for a heroic last-minute turn; it alarms bystanders more than you think.

The riverbank is shared territory, not your private escape lane.

5. Keep Your Angle Predictable

Most river users don’t understand how dinghies work.
If you suddenly lurch off on a broad reach, they’ll assume you’ve lost control.

Do:

Maintain a steady course when passing people.
Slow down slightly if conditions allow.
Think: “If I were them… would I know what I’m about to do?”

Predictability is one of the kindest forms of courtesy.

6. Beware of Wash and Wakes

Motorboats vary from gentle trundlers to weekend warriors who create Olympic-grade waves.
These can unbalance paddlers and cold-water swimmers.

Do:

Turn your bow into the largest wakes.
Give paddlers extra space when wash approaches.
Keep alert for reaction movements from other vessels.

Don’t:

Cross other boats’ wakes at steep angles—it throws everyone off balance.

7. Communicate with Body Language and Sound

Sound doesn’t travel far over wind, but a good wave or a “Coming past your right!” helps enormously.

Do:

Call out early and calmly in busy areas.
Use hand signals when close.
Smile often—it diffuses tension and shows you’re in control.

Don’t:

Shout instructions from too far away; it feels aggressive even when it’s not.

8. Look Behind You (More Than You Expect)

On the Thames, most hazards come from behind—fast rowers, paddleboarders drifting downwind, or motorboats.

Develop a habit:

Quick glance behind every 20 seconds.
Extra checks near bends or moored boats.

This one change improves safety dramatically.

9. Slow Is Polite

You don’t need to screech through every gap like a Formula 1 dinghy racer.

Do:

Ease sails or feather upwind if close to others.
Slow down to pass paddleboarders and fishermen.
Use your speed wisely.

10. Motor Boats

Many are Hire Boats. The Helm is probably very inexperienced, and they suddenly come upon sailboats darting all over the place and panic.

Do:

Try to make your intentions obvious
Try to keep to the opposite side of the river - Tack early and not use the width of the river
Slow down and aim for a point past the stern of their boat.
If they slow to keep out of your way, always give a wave of thanks. It is always appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Good river etiquette isn’t about rules—it’s about understanding that the Thames is a shared space. A thoughtful sailor creates a safer, calmer river for everyone. And the more positive encounters you have with paddlers, fishermen and dog-walkers, the more enjoyable your own sailing becomes.

Next time you’re out, try giving everyone a bit more space, a bit more predictability, and a friendly nod. It keeps the river harmonious and keeps your sailing day stress-free.

pmr sailing

Thursday, 27 November 2025