Following their Annual General Meeting this afternoon, The Stewards of Henley Royal Regatta have announced that from 2021, the Regatta will extend to six days.

The 2021 Regatta will therefore commence on Tuesday, 29th June and conclude on Sunday, 4th July.

The extra day allows the introduction of two new events for women into the racing timetable – one for Club Eights and one for Junior Eights, reflecting the increased participation and success of women in the sport.

Together with the introduction of the new event for Student Women’s Eights at the 2020 Regatta, to be named The Island Challenge Cup, from 2021 the Regatta will offer ten events for women.

Speaking of the expansion and the introduction of new events, the Regatta’s Chairman, Sir Steve Redgrave commented:

“Henley Royal Regatta last added an extra day to its programme in 1985. The addition of a sixth day in 2021 reflects the growing popularity of our wonderful sport and the Regatta itself, not least amongst women who are competing in greater numbers and at a higher standard than ever before.

I am delighted that with the new events for Student, Junior and Club women, the Regatta will offer a racing programme across all levels, from junior to international.”

Next year’s Regatta takes place from Wednesday, 1st July to Sunday, 5th July.