Henley Regatta is a rowing event that takes place in London once a year. it is also known my many people as Henley Regatta but it should definitely not be confused with other Regattas such as the Henley women’s one or that of Henley veterans. The first one was held in 1839 after the success of the original Oxford and Cambridge boat races that proved extremely popular. It became Royal after Prince Albert became the first royal to take part in the Regatta. All monarchs’s so far after Prince Albert’s death have agreed to be the official patrons of the event with no exceptions. Apart from the Queen, many other Royal family members tend to participate in the Regatta every year.
The duration of the event is five days during the first week of July and lots of visitors from all around the world turn up. it is a very important event, not only for rowing lovers as many newcomers attend each year. Participants need to apply maximum until 16 days before the 1st day of the events and each event has a limited number of places. Therefore, planning well in advance is strongly advisable because of high demand.
The course, which was changed in 1885 and 1922 is not the distance from the Temple island all the way until Henley Bridge, which is about 550 yeards (or 500 meters). All athletes are surrounded by plenty of safety boats in order to ensure health and safety and it can be said that it is a very safe event. Although the Regatta has been for a long time an exclusive men’s privilege, it changed in 1975 so women can equally participate.
Henley Regatta is really popular not only for individuals but also for big London companies which include it into their agenda with corporate events taking place annually. Corporate hospitality is another reason that attracts more and more companies and for some people the character of the event is being changing during the recent years.