- Three new Women’s quadruple sculls events have been introduced to the 2026 racing schedule in the Intermediate, Club and Student categories respectively
- Henley Royal Regatta now has 14 Women’s events, including 10 new events introduced since 2017
- The Britannia Challenge Cup and The Visitors’ Challenge Cup are likely to be suspended from 2027
- 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
- Henley Royal Regatta has announced two new Stewards, Dr Anna Watkins, MBE and Matt Evans, who bring a wealth of international sport and rowing experience
- Existing Steward, Sarah Cook, has been elected onto the Committee and Sir Matthew Pinsent has been re-elected onto the Committee for another six-year term
- Following club consultations, in 2026, competitors who have competed for a national team more than five years ago can now compete in the Club category at the Regatta
- For all new rule changes - see HERE
9 December 2025: Henley Royal Regatta is proud to announce the introduction of three new Women’s events for quadruple sculls in the Intermediate, Club and Student categories at the 2026 Regatta, taking place from Tuesday, 30 June to Sunday, 5 July. The announcement follows today's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in London. In addition, it is anticipated that The Britannia Challenge Cup and The Visitors' Challenge Cup will be suspended and Henley Royal Regatta do not expect to stage these events in 2027.
Women can now compete in 14 events, with 10 new events added since 2017, paving the way for an equal number of Open and Women’s events at the 2027 Regatta, achieving gender parity by event for the first time. This highlights the Regatta’s ongoing commitment to creating a competitive racing programme that fosters inclusivity, equity and recognition.
"Today I’ve seen that dream become reality."
These new events also mean that female scullers in quads can now progress through the Regatta from Junior to the Olympic-level Premier category, creating a pathway that should have a positive impact on women’s sculling for all schools, universities and clubs that compete at Henley Royal Regatta. Outgoing Committee member, Guin Batten, commented: “My first race at Henley was over 30 years ago in the single sculls at the Premier level, back then I could only dream of the idea that a female sculler could experience Henley from school, to university, to club and beyond. Today I’ve seen that dream become reality.”
The AGM also approved some rule changes in addition to these three new events. Specifically, and, following extensive club consultations earlier this year, in 2026, competitors who have competed for a national team more than five years ago can now compete in the Club category at the Regatta.
Richard Phelps, Chair of the Committee of Henley Royal Regatta, remarked: “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."
"HWR is delighted to see HRR achieving gender parity."
Naomi Ashcroft, Chair of Henley Women’s Regatta, added: “HWR is delighted to see HRR achieving gender parity. Not only will the introduction of the three new quadruple sculls events broaden opportunities for many female athletes, it will serve to drive the standard of women's sculling even higher, in what is Great Britain's most successful boat class. HWR looks forward to seeing even greater competition in women’s sculling."
Furthering its commitment to innovation and excellence, Henley Royal Regatta 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 Henley Royal Regatta. 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 Henley Royal Regatta 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.
Existing Steward, Sarah Cook, a two-time Olympic rower and the CEO of Rowing Australia who is passionate about gender equality and sport for development, has been elected onto the Committee, and Sir Matthew Pinsent, four-time Olympic gold medallist, Head of Umpires and Steward has been re-elected onto the Committee for another six-year term.
Commenting on the new appointments and elections, Phelps said: “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.
"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."
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.”
The AGM marks an opportunity for the Committee members to propose amendments to the event’s qualification and general rules, as part of the constant evolution of the event and in line with the overarching strategy and vision.
Henley Royal Regatta’s vision aims to broaden its appeal, establishing itself as the premier international regatta and an iconic British sporting event for both rowers and spectators alike. With a focus on gender parity, inclusivity and enhanced experiences, Henley Royal Regatta is poised to continue breaking barriers and redefining excellence both on and off the water.
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Notes to the editor
For any media enquiries, please contact Henley Royal Regatta’s press office, The PHA Group - press@hrr.co.uk
Background
Henley Royal Regatta, founded in 1839, is the best-known rowing regatta in the world, renowned for its match-racing. It is one of the highlights of the summer sporting and social calendar in the UK, as well as the rowing calendar internationally. Over 400 races are staged at the Regatta, featuring Olympians and emerging stars from around the world. www.hrr.co.uk You can stay up to date with Henley Royal Regatta including race results, schedules and event information on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
