Could you be the next voice of rowing?

If you’re interested in learning about commentating then read on to find out about Robert Treharne Jones’s innovative scheme

A major new initiative has been launched to train new commentators in rowing.

Based around the National Schools Regatta, to be run on the Olympic course at Eton Dorney from 24-26 May, new recruits to the programme will get the chance to work alongside some of the most experienced rowing commentators in the business.

But first they will have a land-based training day, where they will learn the fundamental principles of commentary, including the ability to describe races in an informative, knowledgeable and entertaining way.

The scheme is being coordinated by Robert Treharne Jones, otherwise known as ‘The Voice of Rowing’, who has been commentating for almost 40 years.

Treharne Jones can count three Olympic Games and countless world championships among his accomplishments. As well as a lengthy stint working on the BBC Radio team for the Boat Race, his voice can also be heard at Henley Royal Regatta, where he helped to coordinate the commentary team behind Regatta Radio for many years.

“The demise of Regatta Radio meant the loss of our training programme, which had previously been so successful in launching the careers of new commentators,” said Treharne Jones.

They will learn the fundamental principles of commentary, including the ability to describe races in an informative, knowledgeable and entertaining way

“We now have a well-described career pathway as graduates from our programme are making their mark at major regattas all around the world. All it takes is a good working knowledge of our sport, and we can do the rest,” he added.

On the latest initiative, he said: “I trained some new people last year at Nat Schools on an ad hoc basis and it seemed to be well received.”

There is no limit currently to the numbers for the land-based training, but not all will be invited to work with commentators at Nat Schools. However, Treharne Jones is working with JIRR and Henley Women’s Regatta to try and get some members of the group to work at other regattas during the season.

If you would like to take part in the training plan then you can register your interest by emailing [email protected].