YBW.com will be one of the teams hoping to name a brand new lifeboat after entering the RNLI’s Alternative Boat Race on the River Thames.

The charity will be releasing 250 miniature lifeboats from Barnes Bridge in a ‘duck race’ all the way to the famous University Stone finish line on April 10th.

Taking place at 5.30pm, it costs just £20 to take part in the race, with each person or team then having to raise a £230 donation for the RNLI in order to secure their boat.

The first miniature boat to pass the University Stone will win the unique chance to name a brand new D class lifeboat.

Chiswick lifeboat manager Wayne Bellamy said: “Worling closely with communities along the River Thames is so important to the RNLI, from assisting people on and in the water and working to improve a safe practice to providing safety cover for events such as the BNY Mellon Boat Race.”

“We’d like to raise awareness of the RNLI’s work in London by including as many people as possible in this exciting event.”

Participants will be able to keep their miniature lifeboat and for those who are unable to attend, the race will be streamed live online.

Following the event, there will be a party at The Ship pub in Mortlake.

If you’re interested in signing up, visit www.rnli.org.uk/boatrace or email boatrace@rnli.org.uk.