As the Regatta was instituted long before national or international rowing federations were established, it occupies a unique position in the world of rowing. The governing body of rowing in England has not jurisdiction over the event as Henley has its own rules. It is a very social event with many quality Henley hospitality services in operation. In fact Henley is second only to Cheltenham hospitality on the corporate entertainment calendar.

Henley does not use the multi-lane races like the internationally regattas but instead runs a knock-out style program with 2 boats in every heat. This involved organising up to a hundred races on a number of the 5 days. To ensure the event is completed in time, competitions begin at 5 minute intervals.

2000m is the international standard distance but Henley is in fact 112m longer than that and sits at a mighty 1 mile 550 yards. It takes approximately seven minutes to cover, so that there are often two races at once on the Course for much of the day. The event ends with the Finals which are rowed on the last day, after the number of competitors are cut down successively on the previous days.

There are nineteen different race events – six types of race for 8’s, five types of race for 4’s (coxed and coxless), four for Quadruple Sculls, and runs for Coxless Pairs and Double Sculls. Men and women have single sculling events also. The Single Women Sculls event was inaugurated in 1993 and allowed the first women to compete over the course in a full regatta. 2001 saw the introductions of new events for Men’s and Women’s Quadruple Sculls which came a year after an open race for Ladies Eights was brought in.

Many crews from abroad visit every year including crews from Croatia, Poland and U.S.A. The previous year saw ninety eight crews from overseas. This year is set to be the best event yet with higher quality crews competing and a more diverse entry field. There will be plenty of corporate events and things to see and do for all ages.