They may both be highly decorated rowers in their own right, but Marlow’s most famous sporting couple are not easily persuaded to get into a boat together.

Sir Steve Redgrave revealed that he and his wife Lady Anne – both Olympians – have only rowed together on three occasions during their 27-year marriage and are not likely to repeat the partnership.

The revelations came as Sir Steve was handed a caricature painting of the pair out on the river to thank the couple for their presence at the town regatta every year since it was relaunched 15 years ago.

And his jokes were well received by the onlooking crowd of dignitaries and guest.

Sir Steve said: “I’m glad that Lady Anne isn’t here. It gives me a chance to sketch on another set of oars so I’m not the cox and am actually part of rowing this boat.

“She’ll be very pleased that she seems to be doing all the work because that’s what she thinks she does all the time.

“The fact is when Anne was captain at Marlow Rowing Club we went out in a double scull. We’ve only ever been out rowing together three times in our time together.

“When Anne was captain she decided to do an open weekend at Marlow Rowing Club and iunvited people fromn the community to come along.

“A couple of people said they recognised us, but it wasn’t from TV it was because they saw us arguing with each other at the top of the reach.”