On the maiden voyage of the Nordic Explorer Steve Walker plucked two young maidens, Holly & Fiona, from the towpath and gave them a ride down to Temple Island and all the way up past the course to Henley Bridge. They seemed to enjoy themselves.
Not a lot of people realise that on the towpath side only unpowered craft are allowed, apart from officials. And so rowing is undoubtedly the quickest way of getting about on race days as the towpath becomes so congested. It also means that you can get up close and personal with the racing crews, separated from them by only the booms.