THE 160th Henley Royal Regatta was the hottest ticket around as thousands basked in sunshine on the banks of the Thames.
The event showed no signs of being hit by the recession as visitors packed hospitality tents and splashed out on food, drink and gifts.
With the temperature rocketing to 31 degrees, men in the Stewards’ enclosure were allowed to take off their jackets — but not their ties — for the first time in 33 years.
Organisers said they were "very happy with the attendance and public support".
Regatta archivist Michael Jones, who has attended for the past 58 years, couldn’t remember such a busy first day.
Meanwhile, calm water led to perfect rowing conditions, which saw Eton College break the first record of the regatta, with a time of one minute and 47 seconds to the barrier and three minutes three seconds to Fawley.
Crews from Henley Rowing Club, Upper Thames Rowing Club and Shiplake College were all met with rapturous applause from the home supporters as each went on to win and advance to the next stage in their competitions.
The Met Office predicts that winds will pick up on Friday and reach up to 14mph tomorrow. There is a possibility of light rain.
Published on 02 July 2009 by the Henley Standard, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.
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