Ferry Operator to Help Henley Women’s Regatta Increase Entries from Mainland Europe

One of Europe’s largest ferry operators is helping Henley Women’s Regatta increase the number of its competitors from mainland Europe and Ireland this year by offering over £3500 (€4000) worth of transport across the Channel and the Irish Sea.

Norfolkline has announced it will be supporting elite club athletes from mainland Europe and Ireland in their efforts to race at the world-famous Henley Women’s Regatta on 18-20 June; it will be offering free ferry transport for equipment and competitors to the highest-placed non-British crews in each of the open women’s eights, coxless fours and quadruple sculls events at the upcoming International Belgian Rowing Championships held in Gent on 8 May.

While a significant number of competitors make the journey from North America, Australia and New Zealand to compete each year, Henley Women’s Regatta chairman Diane Graham says she hopes this generous support from Norfolkline will encourage more elite oarswomen from Europe.

“The event has grown tremendously over the past 20 years and is now seen as the world’s premiere club regatta for women.  But we want to keep expanding the reach of the event, and this assistance from Norfolkline will offset a significant cost for potential competitors and hopefully encourage them to make the journey.

“We also have an as-yet anonymous donor who has offered to pay the entry fees for these same crews, making it a very attractive package throughout.  We’d like to thank these sponsors, and Sport Gent and the organisers of the Belgian Championships, for their support in helping us continue to develop the quality of racing at Henley Women’s Regatta.”

Details about the Belgian Championships can be found at www.krsg.be/regatta.  Entries for Henley Women’s Regatta open on 1 May and close on 31 May; more details can be found at www.hwr.org.uk.  

Download the PDF for full terms and conditions of the offer