After Wimbledon, we continued on with British summer traditions and went to Henley Royal Regatta. The town of Henley-on-Thames is about 30 miles outside of London, and is charming.
Being a rower, I obviously knew of a prestigious regatta called “Henley”, but I didn’t really know. I was confused when all of my Thames Rowing Club teammates were talking about various “Henleys” and asking whether or not I had a “badge”.
Here is what I’ve learned: there are three weeks of back-to-back racing at Henley-on-Thames over the summer. First up is Henley Women’s. This regatta was started in 1988, in response to the fact that until the 1990s women were not permitted to race at Henley. Nuts. Next comes Royal Henley, then Henley Masters Regatta.
Royal Henley
According to the Regatta, “Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known regatta in the world. It is a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the social season.” Can’t say I disagree; it was definitely the best regatta I’ve ever been to.
Started in 1839, Henley Royal Regatta is a five-day event of head-to-head racing. It is the best course I’ve ever rowed on, and besides Opening Day in Seattle, probably the best venue for spectators, who can line up along the entire course and view racing up close.
Royal Henley is basically just a huge Pimm’s-fueled, five-day long party — people bring their corporate clients out on the weekdays to wine and dine them, racing stops for lunch and afternoon tea each day, they drink Pimm’s (British sangria) non-stop, people camp out, and they set up “night clubs” along the course. The train to and from London is a spectacle in itself, shuttling people dressed to impress to the course. Fantastic people watching all around.
The Regatta is put on by the Stewards, who have a fancy members and guests only “enclosure” at the finish line. There is apparently at 10+ year waiting list to get into Stewards. Inside the enclosure are bars, a restaurant, and grandstands for watching races. There is a strict dress code. For men, “lounge suit, blazer and flannels, or evening dress, and a tie”. For ladies, dresses below the knee, hats encouraged (but don’t actually wear a hat, otherwise they know you aren’t really in the know. Only non-rowers wear hats). Stewards will refuse you entry if you are not dressed appropriately! I didn’t make it into Stewards this time around, so will have to come back and try again.
The next most exclusive “enclosure” is Remenham Club’s enclosure – where we spent our Saturday. The Club is composed of “founding clubs” of rowing in London – including Thames Rowing Club (est. 1860), which is how I got in. Similar dress code, but not as strict.
If you have access to an enclosure you wear a “badge”, which is just the perfect visual of British social classes.
View from Remenham. 
Program which kindly lists every rower’s weight. 
There are other enclosures which you can pay to get into without membership (so who even cares about those badges?), and a “towpath” that spectators sit along to watch the racing. Along the entire course are enclosures, food and retail vendors, and picnicking.
Looking towards Stewards enclosure. 
If you don’t bring your classic jag, you are doing it wrong. 
Temple Island – the starting line.
Henley Masters Regatta
The following weekend was my time to shine on the water. I got out-shined unfortunately. I raced in a four which didn’t final. But our eight won, and I practiced with them leading up to the race, so I’m counting it as a win.
Just getting to row on the course, and spending time with my Thames teammates was awesome. Plus, I had two fans come watch – Dan and his mom Pat – which was very special.
Masters Henley was a lot more low key than Royal, and just a really fun race on a great course.
Me in red visor. 
8 getting their medals!
Unemployed and Traveling 