Sail, Kayak, Canoe, Row & More
Water activities in the heart of London Docklands
To provisionally book a water activity weekend, please click here. you can also make any enquiries to admin@lordamory.org
The centre-piece of our Project is a converted, 400 tonnes 150 foot, ex-Dutch North Sea Pilot vessel formerly named "Algol", it was converted by the volunteer members of the Project and, in 1981, renamed as Headquarters Training Ship "Lord Amory".
What can we offer?
The base provides excellent facilities for water sports of many types. We have access to the waters in the West India Docks, adjacent to the Canary Wharf complex, providing excellent opportunities for dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, kayaking, canoeing, bellboats and katakanu's, pulling and power boating on safe waters. We also have access to the River Thames, via the lock at the eastern end of the dock complex.
The 'Lord Amory' contains comfortable sleeping accommodation for up to 60 people in cabins containing 2, 4 or 6 bunks with storage facilities and central heating. The ship has numerous washrooms, showers and toilet facilities, as well as a large mess deck area used for eating. Training rooms are available on board for group briefings or to watch a video as a group. For leaders and those over the age of 18, there is a licensed onboard 'Wardroom' .
On the shore side, we have a large building which houses workshops, store rooms and adjoining toilet & shower block and changing rooms. The toilets and showers are used after a water activity, and are immediately beside our slipway and pontoons. We can also offer limited free parking for minibuses and cars, with the added peace of mind that the base is a secure site, with an electronic gate at the entrance and is externally covered by CCTV.
The programme that you choose to work with is entirely up to you. You may use our sample programme (above) or you may submit one of your own for approval. The leader of your camp or weekend will run the programme, but we can provide skilled staff, by means of crew and quartermasters if required. As part of a water activity weekend, we will supply a 'Duty Officer' who is in charge of the ship for the duration of your stay. We will also provide a team of duty quartermasters, who are trained to maintain the base and ship to a high standard.
Safety
The Project maintains a very stringent safety regime, regulated by the Scout Association. We always meet and often exceed safety guidelines by other regulating bodies for water activities. All water activities are supervised with an adult leader in charge, as well as safety cover, in the form of safety boats, all equiped with VHF Radios, and in communication with the Lord Amory's bridge and Duty Officer. All members of the DSP water staff are trained in First Aid and have current Scout Association water activity permits / authorisations.
Making a booking
Provisional bookings can be made by telephone, or preferably by e-mail. Provisional bookings are held for a maximum of 28 days, during which time you will be sent the DSP information and booking package. The booking form contained in this package must be returned with a booking deposit for the booking to be confirmed. you will then receive a confirmation of booking, together with further information on paying the balance of the fee, joining instructions, etc.
Documents
- Weekend Info Pack 2015
- Booking Form 2015
- Sample Menu For A Water Activities Weekend
- Suggested Water Activities Kit List
- Ships Layout
- Generic Weekend Programme
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| 3rd Harold Hill Scouts | 17/04/2026 - 19/04/2026 |
| 1st Osterley Scouts | 24/04/2026 - 26/04/2026 |
| Ramalley Guides | 01/05/2026 - 03/05/2026 |
| 21st Epping Forest South Cubs | 15/05/2026 - 17/05/2026 |
| 5th North Watford Scouts | 22/05/2026 - 24/05/2026 |
| 1st East Putney Cubs | 29/05/2026 - 31/05/2026 |
| East London Scout District | 05/06/2026 - 07/06/2026 |
| Ferring & Findon Sea Scouts | 12/06/2026 - 14/06/2026 |
| 3rd Osterley Sea Scouts | 26/06/2026 - 28/06/2026 |
| Thurrock Scouts | 03/07/2026 - 05/07/2026 |
| 10th Fulham Scouts | 17/07/2026 - 19/07/2026 |
| 8th Kenton Scout Group | 24/07/2026 - 26/07/2026 |
| 1st Chorleywood Scouts | 04/09/2026 - 06/09/2026 |
| Sea Ranger Association | 18/09/2026 - 20/09/2026 |
| 9th Muswell Hill Scouts | 02/10/2026 - 04/10/2026 |
| 1st Apsley Scouts | 16/10/2026 - 18/10/2026 |
| Crouch Valley Scouts | 23/10/2026 - 25/10/2026 |
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