Spectators keep their cool in regatta heats

SPECTATORS and rowers experienced a sweltering start to this year’s Henley Royal Regatta.

Temperatures reached 31C on the opening day of the event on Tuesday when thousands flocked to the riverbank to see the start of racing.

Many of those watching were wearing the usual colourful blazers and dresses but had bought parasols and umbrellas and hats to protect them from the blistering heat.

The committee of management of the regatta had announced on Monday that members and guests of the steward’s enclosure could remove their jackets — but not ties — for Tuesday only. A total of 25 people received medical treatment on Tuesday caused by the heatwave. Wayne Newton, a member of the first response team, said: “Today has been very hot. It has impacted us quite a bit in terms of how people are staying hydrated.

“We have a heat plan in place and we stocked up on ice packs which stopped 25 people going to hospital so far. Henley Regatta relaxed the dress code, which has probably helped as well.”

Police patrolled the regatta site and the towpath, which was crowded with people, while the Environment Agency carried out water quality testing of the river.

The grandstand and regatta enclosures were full while many people watched the action from the other side of the river, including Phyllis Court and lots of spectators also watched the action from boats on the river.

Andrew Ovey, who runs Hernes Estate, a 400-acre farm off Greys Road, Henley, took cover in the heat among friends under a canopy they had erected in a car park behind the steward’s enclosure to enjoy a picnic with champagne, rosé and nibbles. The former rower, who went head-to-head in a 1988 final against the winning Hampton crew while rowing for Eton College Boat Club, said: “It’s hot. Towards the back end of the week, if we get the storm it will be bearable again.”

A Jude’s ice cream stall which didn’t attend all days of the event last year due to frequent downpours, had to order three times the amount of ice cream in preparation for Wednesday due to the amount of stock sold.

Freya Ashton, 21, from Oxford, who ran the stall with Zara Bailey, 21, from Madrid, said: “Last year, it was quite rainy. At around 6pm was the first time of the day where we didn’t have a queue.

“At our peak, there were 12 people in the queue, with about two or three orders per person.” David and Janet Wright, of St Mark’s Road, Henley, attended with friends Tracy, Sandy and George MacPhee.

Mr Wright who rows for Upper Thames Rowing Club and George a former Shiplake College pupil had said they had both enjoyed watching the racing.

George said: “It’s great to see Shiplake winning the men's eight and the women’s eight and it's a nice day with the sun coming out as well.”

Mrs Wright said: “Meeting friends is the best thing about regatta and watching the rowing.” She added she was pleased that Shiplake were doing so well.

Hugh Johnson, from Guildford, rowed at The Oratory School in 1998.

He said: “I’ve got the week off, and I’m a member here so this is just meant to be.

“It’s a really good international program this year, and I’m here all week so I get to just pick up the best of British Rowing.”

Leander Club, Henley Rowing Club, Upper Thames, Shiplake College and Vikings and Reding Blue Coat School all featured in the opening two days of racing.

The Upper Thames men’s four achieved a photo finish, beating Tideway Scullers’ School in London by 2ft. The crew comprised Lewis Nixon, 21, James Powell, 20, Lois Smith, 21 and Max Brothers, also 21.

Brothers, who was the stroke, was cheered on by his father Andrew and sister Alexis, 19, from Streatley, who were watching the crew from the grandstand dressed in hats and traditional style.

Miss Brothers, who studies at Newcastle University, said: “We thought they were going to win by a bit more. We knew they were going to win but we didn’t know how close it was going to be so we were really on edge. At the end, we were worried because it was really close.

“There were lots of people turning around in the stand, saying, ‘do you know what happened’ and ‘do you know who won’ and we didn’t know either [who had won].” Mr Brothers, who is semi-retired, said: “I’m super proud. It’s really nice to support him.

“He trains six days a week and eats five times a day. He is properly dedicated.”

Mr Brothers added that this was the hottest regatta they have attended.

Some rowers were spotted wearing ice-packed vests as they warmed up for their races.

Mr Brothers added: “Without a doubt, this is the hottest regatta we have been to. This is off the charts. It has been really hard for all competititors. It has been really tough. Everyone has been responsible and there’s plenty of shade where you need it. It has been very well organised and it’s a beautiful day.”

Organisers received 768 entries from 19 nations, including a record 589 domestic entries.