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.
He said: “I certainly haven’t seen it like this for a very long time. It’s wonderful really.” Chris Proserpi, of the Compass Group, which handles the catering for the regatta, said: “The Pimm’s is flying out. It has been incredibly busy and the weather is certainly helping.
“I think we are looking at about 6,000 bottles of champagne and 15,000 pints of Pimm’s being drunk by the end of the week.”
He said sales of soft drinks and water had rocketed, while around 1,500 iced coffees were sold — a record for the event.The regatta shop’s sales were also doing well.
Manager Toby Adamson said: “People are spending £50 on average. It seems a lot busier than last year.
“We are selling out of stuff and we haven’t been open for a week yet. People are coming in and buying lots of jewellery, hats and ties.”
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 police were on hand throughout the first day as part of an operation to clampdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.
Last year’s regatta was marred by a knife attack on three Belgian rowers that left two requiring hospital treatment.
Supt Amanda Pearson, South Oxfordshire area commander, said: “Considering the large number of people who come to the regatta, it is usually a peaceful and well-organised event where a good time is had by all.
“My plea to people coming to the regatta is to have a good time and enjoy themselves but use you common sense, do not drink too much or act in an anti-social manner that could have an impact on other people.”
The Met Office predicts that winds will pick up today and reach up to 14mph tomorrow. There is a possibility of light rain.
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Published on 06 July 2009
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