Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta announce new events for 2026

Three new women’s sculling events at HRR and two new quadruple sculls events at HWR

In a final step towards gender parity, Henley Royal Regatta has announced three new Women’s sculling events for the 2026 regatta. The new introductions will be Quadruple Sculls events in the Intermediate, Club and Student categories at the 2026 Regatta, taking place from 30 June – 5 July.

On the same day, Henley Women’s Regatta unveiled it’s Regatta and Eligibility Rules for 2026, and announced the creation of two new events for aspirational academic and club quadruple sculls.

The Chairman’s Trophy for aspirational quadruple sculls has been one of the most popular events at the regatta in recent years, attracting 31 entries for 16 places in the side-by-side draw in 2025. As of 2026, the event will be split, with competitors from universities and other academic institutions now competing for the Nina Padwick Trophy. The Chairman’s Trophy will be awarded to the winning aspirational club quadruple sculls crew. These events provide a clear pathway to HRR. The new quadruple sculls events and HWR’s 2026 rules also reflect the introduction of the new intermediate, club and student women’s quadruple sculls events at HRR 2026.

Richard Phelps, Chair of the Committee of Henley Royal Regatta, said, “Achieving gender parity in our competition is an exciting and historic moment. The journey started just over 30 years ago and was dramatically accelerated under the leadership of Sir Steve Redgrave. This final step has been more challenging as it involves removing some of the Open events, one of which is over 150 years old, but the Stewards have approved these changes, cognisant that our sport and Henley Royal Regatta are continuously evolving.

“We are aware of the impact that these three new events will have on women’s rowing in the UK and beyond. Following our club consultations earlier this year, alongside engagement with British Rowing and Henley Women’s Regatta, we are confident these new events will be well received and will further elevate the standard of women’s sculling in the UK.”

Next year’s HRR will likely be the last time that the regatta features the Britannia Challenge Cup and the Visitors’ Challenge Cup, and by 2027, the Regatta will offer an equal number of Open and Women’s events, achieving gender parity on the water for the first time.

Credit: Henley Woman’s Regatta

For the 2026 edition of HWR, the Parkside Trophy for championship lightweight coxless pairs has been removed from the 2026 programme due to low entry numbers in recent years.

“HWR aims to provide a pathway for both junior women and women at all stages of their rowing career. The introduction of club and academic aspirational quads provides an opportunity for even greater competition in women’s sculling, and aligns with the introduction of three new quad sculling events for women at HRR, which we welcome and celebrate the move towards achieving gender parity,” said HWR chairman Naomi Ashcroft.

HRR has also announced the election of two new Stewards and two appointments to the Committee of Management.

Dr Anna Watkins, MBE joins the body of Stewards with an impressive history of rowing success, winning a Bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a Gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, in addition to winning four World Championships medals, and The Remenham and Princess Grace Challenge Cups in 2004 and 2010 at HRR. With a PhD in Applied Mathematics and a career in sports leadership as CEO of the British Elite Athletes’ Association, and Non-Executive Director at the UK Sports Institute, she brings a wealth of expertise in athlete wellbeing, governance, and strategic insight. Her extensive rowing knowledge, combined with leadership and advocacy for athletes will provide invaluable perspective and guidance to the wider body of Stewards.

Joining her is Matt Evans, an experienced international sports and events professional, who is currently Sports Manager for Rowing, Coastal Rowing, and Para Rowing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With a strong background in rowing, including volunteering at HRR since 2015 and senior roles at World Rowing, he brings expertise in event management, operational leadership, and athlete-centred planning. His career spans complex international projects, strategic initiatives, and governance roles, demonstrating a commitment to delivering world-class sport experiences.

“I am delighted to welcome Anna and Matt who will add to our deep pool of talent and expertise within the wider body of Stewards. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank Neil Chugani and Guin Batten who are retiring from the Committee after each serving for over a decade. Both have had an amazingly positive impact on the Regatta and I will miss their insights, experience and passion around the Committee table,” said Phelps.

“I am confident the Committee, working with the Executive, will continue to bring innovative ideas and fresh thinking to the organisation, in order to deliver an unforgettable 2026 Regatta. Together we will continue to foster the rowing community to provide an unrivalled competitor and audience experience, advancing our vision to be remarkable, forge bonds and create history,” he continued.

Henley Women’s Regatta takes place 19 – 21 June 2026

Henley Royal Regatta will take place 30 June – 5 July