London RIB Voyages, the original Thames speedboat experience and preferred choice of transport by celebrities and sports personalities heading to the O2, is proud to announce its participation in this year’s Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, taking place on Sunday 3rd June, 2012.

The event will see a thousand boats gather on the river Thames in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. A total of five boats owned and crewed by London RIB Voyages have been selected. Thames Challenger is one of the RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) that will be travelling in the flotilla.

The flotilla will be the largest seen in modern times on the river, with rowing boats, working boats and pleasure vessels of all shapes and sizes, all beautifully dressed with streamers and Union Jacks, stretching for an estimated twelve and a half miles.

London RIB Voyages is delighted to have been selected by the pageant organisers and representatives from the river community, to take part in an event that has proved extremely popular,with three boats competing to apply for every place. The careful selection process considered safety, fitness-for-purpose and range of vessel type, as well as exploring whether the vessel was of historical significance or had an interesting story to tell.

Owner Charlie Matheson is delighted that his boats have been selected and said:
“London RIB Voyages is thrilled and honoured to be taking part in this much anticipated event. As the fastest way to travel on the river and as the Thames’ first speedboat operator we would have been incredibly disappointed not to be involved in such a classic moment in history. Our team, who will be dressed top to toe in regal attire, cannot wait to set sail in the parade onboard our patriotic boats decorated from seat to seat with sparkling royal pride.
British anthems will play in the background as we proudly lead the Class V vessels in the flotilla of the century.”

Every vessel will proudly take its place in the flotilla alongside Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family aboard the Royal Barge, The Spirit of Chartwell. It will be a on