Tower Bridge, London

The sight of an ocean racing yacht on the River Thames alongside the iconic Tower Bridge in London greeted tourists and sightseers when Pip Hare Ocean Racing launched their new IMOCA 60, Medallia, ready for the 2024 Vendée Globe race.

The 60 foot long foiling yacht, with a draught of 15 foot and a mast of nearly 100 feet needed a specially designed and purpose built dock so she could come alongside when meeting her sponsors at the team launch party.

Rebel Marine were asked if they could provide a temporary pontoon capable of taking Medallia and up to forty guests moored alongside the Tower Bridge Hotel and next to Tower Bridge. The design had to accommodate the two huge wing foils on the side of the hull, ensure she stayed  afloat in the tidal waters of the Thames and provide a safe platform for visitors to view this stunning race machine.

The pontoon was designed as a “double stack” using Versadock double floats with a cutout along the outside edge to take the wing foil. The length of pontoon had to be long enough to take the yacht alongside with enough cleats to tie her on securely, especially in the fast-flowing Thames and wide enough to ensure she stayed in deep enough water over the tidal low water. Public safety was maintained by stanchion and rope edge protection along the two sides, water safety life rings with throw lines and access from an existing riverside pontoon.

Using a lorry with a HIAB and trailer, the modular pontoon was transported to Woolwich on the Thames from Rebel Marine’s base on the Isle of Wight. There, it was carefully assembled and floated down the river to its final destination next to Tower Bridge. The logistics of such a transport operation were intricate, requiring precise timing and coordination to navigate the bustling and often unpredictable waters of the Thames. Once in place, the pontoon provided a stable and secure platform for the team launch party, offering an unparalleled view of both the impressive Medallia and the historic Tower Bridge.