Sunday, November 21, 2010

Henley Royal Regatta

By Emma Jackson


Water sports are very popular in Britain. United Kingdom has a huge network of canals running through it. Boating, yachting, rowing and fishing is loved by all the country men and these are also celebrated vacation activities. Moreover, various sporting events and regattas are also arranged all around the country.

Henley royal regatta is a rowing event that is organized every year. It is hosted in Henley-on-Thames which is a small town in the Oxfordshire. Temple Island which is a very famous tourist attraction in River Thames is also located nearby. The regatta presents this opportunity to see Olympic rowers contest in Britain. People from far and wide come around to attend the event.

The regatta was organized for the first time way back in 1839. At first it came up as a fair arranged by the Mayor and people of Henley. It was a public attraction and people came to have a good time. It was later turned into a competitive event with high ranking world class rowers registering for it every year. The regatta became very popular and continued for two days. The number of entries kept increasing and the regatta turned into a three day and then into a four day event by 1906.

In 1986 it was turned into a 5 day contest. There was an increase in the maximum number of entries for its famous events. The regatta got royal patronage when H.R.H Prince Albert became its first royal patron. The regatta events were visited by royal family members every year and it came to be known as Henley Royal Regatta.

This regatta has its old and rich history and holds a special position in the world of rowing. The regatta was institutionalized long before the national and international rowing federations were formed. The rules and regulations of the contests are independent of British and International governing bodies. There are total 19 events that are held in the five days of regatta. Men and women from all around the world participate in the competitions as singles and as teams.

The regatta owns the land and property on which the events are held. All the installations are removed from the land and the river bank once the regatta ends. This is done to preserve the beauty of Henley. When the regatta approaches in the next year, the venue is again established and decorated with same zeal and zest. So if you want to enjoy the English hospitality and experience the peaceful natural beauty and heritage of Britain, Henley Royal Regatta is the right place for you.




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