A Tribute to Charles George Newens (1942–2025)
Leander Club joins the wider rowing and watermen’s community in mourning the loss of Charles “Chas” Newens, who passed away peacefully at the age of 83. Known affectionately as “Chas the Boat,” he was a towering figure on the Thames Tideway and a cherished part of British rowing heritage.
A full report is published on Hear The Boat Sing.
From the age of 14, Chas worked the Putney Embankment, becoming a fixture of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and countless river events. Through his company, Chas Newens Marine, he supplied coaching launches, engines, chandlery and expert advice to clubs up and down the Tideway. His craftsmanship and quiet authority made him indispensable to the sport and his dedication earned him the honour of Master of the Watermen’s Company in 2001.
Chas was the last of the old-school Putney boatmen; a living link to a bygone era. He drove the Boat Race umpire for many years, having been taught the course by Ted Phelps of the famed rowing family. His stories, like the one about the “Putney Whistle” used to signal from boat to shore, were part of the folklore that surrounded him.
He championed progress in rowing, notably supporting the inclusion of women in the Boat Race, saying, “They row the Head of the River the other way, so why can’t they row the Boat Race this way?” His warmth, wit, and wisdom made him a treasured presence on the river and beyond.
Chas is survived by his wife Julie, to whom he was devoted for 46 years. In honour of her wishes, we encourage those who knew Chas to send cards or letters rather than messages or calls.
His passing truly marks the end of an era. Leander Club salutes a man whose life was shaped by the river – and who shaped it in return.
