Water Chariots, a UK-based boat service, is offering a canal boat service for visitors to the UK for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The company is the official 2012 Games Canal Boat operator, and is offering 12 canal boats in a scheduled service, and 18 sloop boats available for charter.
Water Chariots is offering departures from Limehouse Marina and Tottenham Hale, and travel via the River Lea, for the closest entry to the Olympic Park, which also hosts the Olympic Stadium and VIP hospitality area. Passengers will also be able to access hospitality areas at the departure points, which include entertainment and food venues.
Peter Coleman, the founder of Water Chariots, said, ‘I read about the millions of people expected to come to London for the Games and knowing the canals, thought that had to be the best way to get there.
I want to help make the day one of the most memorable in people’s lives. Our passengers will be the first people in history to arrive at an Olympic Games by canal boat. We will also be offering champagne, food and music to add to the experience. I want to bring Henley on Thames to the East of London.’
British Waterways, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Olympic Delivery Authority have together funded the infrastructure for the canal boat service.
Mark Blackwell, of British Waterways, said, ‘The waterways in the East End have been transformed, with over 5.5km opened up for the first time in 50 years. It’s fantastic that people will be able to enjoy them during the Olympics and in legacy. The canals and rivers are the lifeblood of London, a wonderfully serene and practical green route through a large and congested city.’
