Thursday, June 27, 2013

Racing in Henley Royal Regatta

I'm racing in the Henley Royal Regatta! This regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since (except during the two World Wars). All races are held over the full Henley Course on the River Thames. The length of the Course is one mile 550 yards (2,112 metres) – upstream. All races are rowed two abreast and the winner proceeds to the next round. So its a knock out situation!


The Princess Royal Challenge Cup
Holders: I.R. Penney, Canada
 459   D.K. Flood (Leander Club)
 460   U.N. Grobler (Tuks Rowing Club, South Africa)
 461   R.F. Humphreys (London Rowing Club)
 462   K. Johnson (Leeds Rowing Club)
 463   M. Knapkova (V.K. Slavia Praha, Czech Republic)
 464   F.M. Rawlins (Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club)
 465   N.C. Spencer (Nottingham Rowing Club)
 466   V. Thornley (Leander Club)
 467   E.K. Twigg (Waiariki Rowing Club, New Zealand)
 468   L.F. Wheeler (Nottingham Rowing Club)
 469   P.J. Whittaker (Nottingham Rowing Club)
 470   M.K. Wilson (Imperial College London)
Total Entries: 12 (2012: 19)
To be reduced to 8 entries by Qualifying Races

We race under club colours, so I'll be racing for TUKS (University of Pretoria) where I obtained my BA (Information Design). I got fitted in a TUKS Blazer on Monday which was quite an honour, since I missed my graduation ceremony because I was already in Seattle by then. Another little catch... I don't have a dress with me. Who packs a dress when going on training camp? When I left Seattle to come train in South Africa, I did leave the high heels and dress below the knees at home. So Naydene Smith is lending me dress. I guess we don't have to do hats, but if I did it would have been stunning to get one from Madam Foo Foo Couture > http://www.madamfoofoo.com/ who I do web work for. They dedicate profits to retired race horses!

It's my first time at this race. And touring with the SA squad. All the fun starts on next Friday! Thanks to TUKS for the sponsored gear!