18 July 2023
By Malcolm Knight
Overheard in the Henley Royal Regatta’s grandstand… “There’s skiffs and punts on the course, what-ever next?!”
Indeed, on Friday 30 June during the tea break a small flotilla of six racing skiffs (four doubles and two singles) and two 2ft racing punts appeared on the course at Fawley.
As part of their centenary celebrations, Dittons Skiff & Punting Club and Thames Valley Skiff Club submitted a request to the Stewards of HRR asking for permission to row over the regatta course in 2023. The letter was supported by detailed information about the number of members at both clubs who had been successful in the wider rowing world before, during and after their skiffing and punting careers – permission was granted!
The day dawned cool and damp with a strong down river wind – a headwind! The crews had boated from The Eyot Centre above Henley Bridge and made their way downstream a gap in the booms at ‘Fawley Court’, one of the Dittons doubles having collected their second crew member (Sarah Winckless – HRR Steward and Umpire) from the boating pontoons on route.
At 4.35 precisely, the small flotilla of skiffs went on to the course, formed up (ladies doubles first followed by the singles) and commenced to row up towards the enclosure. At Remenham Club, they received a rousing Remenham roar which spurred them on to be joined at the ‘Hole in the Wall’ by the two 2ft punts, one single and one double punted.
The flotilla made a wonderful sight reminiscent of Regatta 120 years ago as they progressed at a stately pace past the main Grandstands receiving cheers and encouragement from members and their guests whilst the commentator imparted details of the clubs’ joint history and achievements over the past 100 years.
For all those involved it was a memorable moment, a great honour to be permitted to row and punt over the course during Henley Royal Regatta thereby creating another piece of liquid history on the River Thames.
Contact details for the clubs: