Before international or national rowing federations were developed, Henley was born and thus holds a special place in the rowing world. Due to the event having its own rules it is not subject to those laid out by the Amateur Rowing Association. It is a very social event with many quality Henley Regatta hospitality services in operation.

The Regatta operates a knock-out draw with only 2 boats in each heat. This is in contrast the to the multi-lane international regattas. This can mean the organization of around 90 races on some days of the event. 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. Because the race takes around 7 minutes to complete there frequently 2 races being run at once on the river for a large proportion 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 19 events in total: 6 classes of race for Eights, 5 for Fours (3 coxless and 2 coxed), 4 for Quadruple Sculls, and races for Coxless Pairs and Double Sculls. Men and women have single sculling events also. 1993 was the first year women competed over the Course in a full Regatta event when a new event for women single scullers was inaugurated. 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.

Crews from around the world hed to Henley each year from countries including the Netherlands, Croatia and the Ukraine. Ninety eight race crews were from overseas last year. This years event promises to be the best yet with more diversity in the crews and the highest caliber of rower Henley has ever seen. There will be plenty of corporate entertainment and things to see and do for all ages.