Knockout regatta (side-by-side) · Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta
8:00 AM GMT+1 · Henley Royal Regatta Course · Henley-on-Thames
Henley Royal Regatta Course
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta, established in 1839, is the oldest and most prestigious regatta in the sport. The 186th edition runs six days from 30 June to 5 July 2026 on a straight 2,112-metre course on the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames. Over 300 races take place across the week in a knockout format, with crews eliminated in side-by-side races decided by open water.
The regatta draws entries from universities, clubs, and national teams worldwide. Events range from the Grand Challenge Cup (open eights, first awarded in 1839) to the Diamond Challenge Sculls (single sculls) and the Princess Royal Challenge Cup (women's single sculls, introduced in 2002). The strict dress code in the Stewards' Enclosure, including jacket and tie for men, is as much a part of Henley as the racing.
When is Henley? Racing starts at 08:00 BST in qualification rounds (Wednesday) and 09:30 BST in the main draw, with finals on Sunday 5 July from 12:30 BST. That translates to 13:30 CEST in Berlin, 07:30 EDT in New York, and 20:30 JST in Tokyo.