Gurt's Guide to Henley Women’s Regatta

The Course:
HWR is the UK’s premiere Women’s rowing event and is raced over part of the famous Henley stretch. The course is 612m shorter than the full Henley Royal distance mainly to prevent spectators trampling over the precious lawns of the Steward’s Enclosure which must be preserved for The Royal, but also the shorter course reduces the risk of the girls having to break sweat.

The Crews:
There are 25 events covering all boat classes and from Junior through to Elite. Some of the finest crews in the world will be competing over the 3 days of racing.
Due to the large number of entrants this year, a qualifying race has been introduced for the intermediate 8’s and 4’s with the fastest 32 boats going through to round one. This is an important step towards giving the event greater credibility on the international circuit by preventing any old tin pot crew turning up and giving it a go.

The Spectators:
HWR is a great social event and Remenham Farm is the place to watch the racing despite being 1000m from the finish. Here you will find bars, cafes and stalls to keep you fed and watered during the weekend.
Henley has always been a mecca for fashionistas and HWR week is no exception. However don’t expect blazers, boaters and long dresses; the dress code is strictly sassy and you are more likely to find combats, crop tops and trainers.

The Men:
Inevitably with large numbers of girls dressed in lycra gathering in one place there will also be a large number of men present to ‘support’ them. Mirrored sunglasses are essential to disguise those wandering eyes.


CBRC has high hopes for both the crews entered whose sights are firmly set on getting through to at least Saturday’s races.

A full report of the event will be published next week including what happens when you put 14 young ladies in a small lodge for a weekend…

Have a good row girls!