Article: REGATTA

REGATTA
Every year, since 1839 Regatta is held on the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The river comes alive with activity as contractors build floating jetties, set up numerous temporary structures, and install pilings, fastening wooden lines to form the longest and straightest stretch of river in England. In fact the river was slightly engineered a long time ago to allow this.
It is the highlight of the summer rowing calender and such a great day out if you are lucky enough to attend.
Regatta takes place over six days and approx 300 races are held. This year it was a little rainy on most days but plenty of fun was had by many in their private tents or the general enclosures.
But you can easily view all of the races for free if you walk along the river bank at Remenham. There are many food and drink stalls all along the river bank and plenty of areas to sit by the river and take it all in.
This image is of the start line and this race I believe was between the local team from the Leander Club and Oxford Uni.
The local Leander Club sits at the base of the beautiful Henley Bridge in Remenham, it is renowned as the home of rowing, and it is the most historic, prestigious, and successful rowing club in the world and an Olympic training facility.
Many teams from all around the world compete at Regatta and the universal dress code is to wear a team Blazer, which are always lovely to see.
Other rather strict dress codes apply for entry to Regatta enclosures too ; Gentleman are required to wear lounge suits or jackets, or blazers with flannels and a collared shirt with full length trousers. Ladies to wear hats and all skirts to be below the knee. Shorts, jeans and trainers are strictly not permitted.
Regatta is such a beautiful atmosphere and a great social event in the UK and I feel so lucky to get to see it first hand on my local river bank opposite my home every year.