Henley Royal Regatta Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Henley Royal Regatta is a rowing event held every year on the river Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames. Races are head-to-head knock out competitions, raced over a course of 1 mile, 550 yards (2112 metres). The regatta regularly attracts international crews to race. The most prestigious event at the regatta is the Grand Challenge Cup for Men's Eights, which has been awarded since the regatta was first staged.
As the regatta pre-dates any national or international rowing organisation, it has its own rules and organisation, although it is recognised by both the Amateur Rowing Association (the governing body of rowing in England and Wales) and FISA (the International Rowing Federation). The regatta is organised by the Stewards, who are largely former rowers themselves.
The regatta was first staged in 1839 and proved so successful that it was expanded the next year from one day to two the next year. Further expansion to three days in the late 19th century, 4 days in 1906 and five days in 1986 are proof of the regatta's importance.
The regatta has been known as Henley Royal Regatta since 1851, when Prince Albert became the first royal patron. Since his death, every reigning monarch has agreed to be the patron.
The regatta was for male rowers only until 1993 (women had been permitted to cox for some time), when women's single sculls were introduced. Since then women's eights and women's quadruple sculls have also been added.
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2 Qualifying 3 Events 4 External links |
The racing can be viewed from a number of locations along the Berkshire side of the Thames. The other side of the river (Buckinghamshire) side is used for corporate entertainment.
This is the exclusive area situatated next to the finish line. It is only open to Stewards and their guests. The regatta is one of the major events in the social calendar of the upper class in England and competition for the limited number of tickets is quite high, particularly for the fifth and final day. Although preference is given to people who have previously competed at the regatta, the social position of the event means that some people in the Stewards' Enclosure may have no interest in the actual rowing.
The Stewards' Enclosure is also known for a strict enforcement of its dress code - anyone not suitably dressed can be refused entry, no matter their prestige in rowing or elsewhere. Mobile phone use is prohibited in the Stewards' Enclosure.
The Regatta Enclosure is situated next to the Steward's Enclose and further away from the finish. This enclosure is open to everyone on payment of the admission fee. Competitors gain free access to this area.
Open only to its members and guests.
This occupies the area from the start at Temple island down to the Remenham Club. It is open to the public free of charge. There are a number of bars here including the famous Barn Bar and Redgrave Bar where you can sample the tradition Henley Regatta drink of Pimms.
To keep the quality of rowing high, qualifying races are held on the friday before the event starts. Crews race down the course against the clock and the fastest crews qualify to race during the main regatta.
The Stewards select some crews, based on previous performances, that do not have to go to qualifying.
The following events were offered in the 2004 regatta:
This is an Article on Henley Royal Regatta. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Henley Royal Regatta Spectators
Stewards' Enclosure
Regatta Enclosure
Remenham Club
Remenham Farm
Qualifying
Events
External links