Henley Royal Regatta 2024 saw five UL crews racing, a plethora of purple support on the bank, and a full four seasons of weather.

PA ‘A’, the men’s top boat, prequalified off a strong set of summer racing results. On the Tuesday, they comfortably beat Imperial by a length and a half, and then even more comfortably beat Nereus in the next round to make the semi-final. In the semi (on the Friday), they were beaten by favourites and eventual winners Oxford Brookes.

Island ‘A’, the women’s top boat, also prequalified. Their first race was against Boston University, which they won comfortably by over 3 lengths after a casual row through the enclosures. The next round saw them lead Edinburgh ‘B’ out the blocks and maintain their lead, beating them by 1 1/2 lengths. On the Saturday they raced a strong Newcastle crew in the semi-final. Having been behind out the end of the island, they took the lead coming out the Fawley marker, however, fell short through the enclosures as the advantage changed hands again, and lost by 1/2 a length.

The Temple prequalified after strong results throughout regatta season, and met Cornell in the first round. After a race reminiscent (for some of the older alumni…) of UL’s successful ’63 Grand final, the boys had a fantastic and exciting race, winning by 2/3 of a length. Unfortunately, they drew the favourites and eventual winners Oxford Brookes ‘A’ in the next round, which ended their regatta on the Wednesday.

Island ‘B’ made it into the regatta through qualifiers, and met Edinburgh ‘A’ in the first round. After a great fight down the course, they lost out by just under 2 lengths. The PA ‘B’, having oh-so-joyously qualified the previous Friday, met Oxford Brookes ‘B’ on the Tuesday. After leading out the blocks, they lost to the strong Brookes crew, who eventually progressed to the final. At qualifiers, we also had an Island ‘C’ racing, which included this year’s novices, which unfortunately didn’t qualify.

Ever present on the banks (in both wonderful sunshine and heavy rain) was a full sea of purple blazers from past and present club members alike. A huge thank you from the entire squad to all of our alumni, parents and supporters for all of the support! We are already looking forward to the first week of July next year.

Also racing was a whole host of ULBC alumni for various other clubs. Congratulations to Darcy (ULBC ’23), who coxed the Thames RC Wargrave crew to victory.