Open Events
Twelve Open Events
Grand Challenge Cup
Open Men's Eight Oars with Coxswain (M8+)
This is the top event for Men's Eights. Two or more clubs may combine to make an entry.
The Grand Challenge Cup has been competed for annually since 1839 with the exception of the years affected by the two World Wars. While the text of the qualification rules has varied over the years, the Cup has always been open, except in the Olympic Games year of 1908, to all established amateur clubs.
Remenham Challenge Cup
Open Women's Eight Oars with Coxswain (W8+)
This is the top event for Women's Eights.
All crews entering should expect to have to compete in the Qualifying Races. However, particular note will be taken of the results in Elite Eights at Henley Women's Regatta when considering which crews will be required to race in the Qualifying Races for this event.
Stewards' Challenge Cup
Open Men's Four Oars (M4-)
This is the top event for Men's Coxless Fours. Two or more clubs may combine to make an entry.
Instituted in 1841, this event is second only to The Grand Challenge Cup in seniority and is subject to the same rules. In the early days the boats carried coxswains.
Town Challenge Cup
Open Women's Four Oars (W4-)
This event was inaugurated for Women's Fours, raced in coxless boats in line with World Championship and Olympic regattas, and with qualification rules the same as those for The Remenham Challenge Cup.
Queen Mother Challenge Cup
Open Men's Quadruple Sculls (M4x)
This is the top event for Men's Quadruple Sculls.
Introduced in 1981, this was the first time there had been a race in this class of boat at the Regatta.
Princess Grace Challenge Cup
Open Women's Quadruple Sculls (W4x)
At the 2001 Regatta an event was introduced with the same Qualification Rules as those for The Remenham Challenge Cup. In 2003 the event was named The Princess Grace Challenge Cup.
Silver Goblets & Nickalls' Challenge Cup
Open Men's Pair Oars (M2-)
The Pair-Oared Race was instituted in 1845 and in 1895 became The Silver Goblets & Nickalls' Challenge Cup. Steve Redgrave won the event in 1995 for a record seventh time, to be joined in 2003 by Matthew Pinsent when he recorded his seventh victory.
Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup
Open Women's Pair Oars (W2-)
At the 2017 Regatta the Stewards introduced a new Open event for Women's Pairs, intended for crews of the highest international standard.
Double Sculls Challenge Cup
Open Men's Double Sculls (M2x)
The Double Sculls Challenge Cup and medals were instituted in 1946. The same rules apply as for The Grand Challenge Cup.
Stonor Challenge Trophy
Open Women's Double Sculls (W2x)
An Invitation Race for Women's Double Sculls has previously been held at the Regatta in 1981 and 1982. In 2017, a new Open event was inaugurated for Women's Double Sculls intended, like the pairs events, for crews of the highest international standard. In 2018 the event became known as The Stonor Challenge Cup.
Diamond Challenge Sculls
Open Men's Single Sculls (M1x)
This event is open to eligible members of any club.
The winners receive one of the famous Pineapple Cups to keep. This tradition of giving a Pineapple Cup to the winner started in 1850.
Princess Royal Challenge Cup
Open Women's Single Sculls (W1x)
This event is open to eligible members of any club.
The winners receive a miniature crossed sculls brooch to keep. This event has been won five times by both Maria Brandin of Sweden and Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic.