Henley Royal Regatta 2014

Britain is not lacking for exciting sporting events this summer.  Wimbledon is wrapping up this weekend, the Tour de France starts in Leeds in two days, and the Henley Royal Regatta just started yesterday. I pried John away from work for a gorgeous afternoon at Henley today. The afternoon could not have been lovelier.

Henley Regatta started in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. What began as a single afternoon event has changed over the years to be five days of  heat races, semi finals, and finals. Originally the Regatta was just  a local event with an emphasis on fun, a fair and a few other amusements. It quickly became so popular that the emphasis changed to competitive amateur rowing with top teams from all over the U.K. and the U.S. It still has it's fun with picnics, elegant tailgate parties, fancy dresses, goofy crew jackets, and the fun of a great competition. 

Here is what the website says about the dress code:

• Those attending the Regatta in the Stewards' Enclosure must dress in accordance with long-established tradition.
• Gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with flannels, and a tie or cravat.
• Ladies are required to wear dresses or skirts with a hemline below the knee and will not be admitted wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers of any kind. Similarly, no one will be admitted to the Stewards' Enclosure wearing shorts or jeans.
• Whilst not a requirement, it is customary for ladies to wear hats.
• Members are particularly asked to bring the dress code to the attention of their Guests, to ensure that the standards are maintained and to avoid the possibility of embarrassment of a Guest being refused admission.

In 1851 H.R.H. Prince Albert became the Regatta's first Royal Patron and since this death, the reigning Monarch had always consented to be the current patron. That is why it is called the "Royal" Regatta.

The best seats in the house are on the small private boats that line the race course.

  Next year John and I need to upgrade our hats! 

Below is a short video of one of the heats we saw.  The team that won this race was the Henley Rowing Club and it drew quite a roar from the crowd.  

 The day drew a roar from me -- it was simply a lovely day, great fun, and terrific people watching, all just a few miles from home. 

For more information about Henley Royal Regatta to http:/www.hrr.co.uk/