Perfect conditions for biggest ever HWR

The 2014 Henley Women’s Regatta got underway this morning, with hundreds of spectators out in force on a sun-drenched Henley Reach.

This year’s event is billed as the biggest yet, with a record-breaking 1615 rowers and coxes set to compete on the iconic course over the weekend – including a number of crews from the USA and across Europe.

The Elite Eights has received a particularly exciting entry this year, featuring crews from US universities Yale and Drexel, Oxford University Women’s Boat Club and French and GB U23 crews.

Entries have also been particularly high in the Junior events, with all the J16 events oversubscribed. Junior rowing now makes up 31 per cent of the entries at the regatta – a hugely promising sign for the future of the sport.

Helen Grant, Minister for Sport and Equality, will be on hand to award the winners’ trophies at the prize-giving along with Anna Watkins MBE, Olympic Champion and one of our sports greatest inspirational role models.

“Despite all the bad weather, the rowers are ready to compete,” said HWR Chairman and Olympic Silver Medallist Miriam Luke ahead of the regatta. “We welcome all spectators to come and watch a first class event with our future Olympic champions duelling to win in a truly inspirational setting.”

For those who can’t make the journey, the regatta will be streamed live throughout the weekend on the HWR website: http://www.hwr.org.uk/spectators

For more information about the regatta and the draw, visit www.hwr.org.uk.