Henley Royal Regatta is a unique
part of the English Social Season and is always a relaxed
and highly enjoyable day. Due it's long standing, Henley makes
it's own rules and social traditions and sticks to them, all
of which goes to make it such a special event. The races are
knockout affairs, with one boat pitted against another. The
heats take place on the Wednesday and Thursday from 9am, quarter
and semi finals on the Friday and Saturday and the finals
on the Sunday from midday. Evening entertainment is provided
on the Saturday night with fireworks and music organised by
the local residents from 7.30pm.
Do
Wear a jacket/blazer with flannels
and a tie or cravat if you are a gentleman. Lounge suits
are also permitted as are your old school or college blazer,
if it still fits!!
Wear dresses or suits which reach
below the knee if you are a lady. Any en vogue variations
(including culottes or trouser suits) on this will prevent
you being admitted to the Stewards' Enclosure.
Check out the distinguished Leander
members who wear pink ties and matching socks.
Pack some sun block and sunglasses
- the glare from the river can lead to many a red face.
Don't
Presume that the Ladies Challenge
Plate is a trophy that ladies compete for - it is in fact
for crews who do not feel that they are up to the Grand
standard. Ladies have finally got their own race now however.
Have your phone on display in
the Stewards' Enclosure - these are banned and discouraged
in the Fawley Meadows and the Regatta Enclosure.
Forget to look around Henley-on-Thames,
with its pretty pubs, shops and restaurants.
Directions:
If you take you car, expect to sit in queues for over
an hour once you have left the M4. Extra train services
from Paddington to Henley operate during the Regatta,
as do coaches from Victoria Coach Station.
Henley Royal Regatta