STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s 2022 regatta takes place this weekend with preparations well underway for the event which returns after a two-year absence.
Smaller regattas were held by the club last September due to Covid restrictions with the event now set to return to a full schedule and is sponsored by Stratford Self Store.
The club grounds and building have been tidied, rowing and sculling blades have been painted and boats have been checked to competition standard.
And the regatta has taken place in Stratford since 1879, some 143 years ago, with crews and supporters from several competing clubs drawn to the event.
Regatta Secretary Dan Warren said: “A lot of hard work goes into planning the regatta, we’ve already put up our marquees and started getting in stocks for tea tent from local suppliers.
“Additional furniture, equipment and services have to be hired in and this is why we’re so delighted that Stratford Self Store is our headline sponsor.”
A.B. Severn Boat Club, Cheltenham College Boat Club, Dragon School Boat Club, Evesham Rowing Club, King Edward The Sixth School Boat Club, Kings School Worcester Boat Club, Magdalen College School Boat Club, Nottingham and Union Rowing Club, Ross Rowing Club and Royal Grammar School Worcester Boat Club are all set to compete at this year’s regatta.
Racing will take place on the town stretch of the river from Holy Trinity Church to the club grounds by The Tramway Bridge.
The regatta also attracts a lot of interest from visitors to the town with many visiting Bancroft Gardens and the Recreation Ground to enjoy the racing, whilst a catering wagon and beer and tea tent in the club grounds are open to all.
Racing will start at 8am and finish around 6.30pm with 37 events and 163 races taking place this year.
Stratford Boat Club’s Treasurer Paul Hazelwood added: “The regatta and also the Fun Regatta on Saturday, July 9 are very weather dependent events and without our sponsors, we couldn’t risk holding the regattas.
“We are also amazingly lucky to have help from other river organisations such as the Avon Navigation Trust, the Sea Cadets, Avon Boating, the Environment Agency, Bancroft Cruisers, Canal and River Tours, the Countess of Evesham and also the co-operation of those who make their living on the river.”
Club President Paul Stanton said: “The Stratford upon Avon Boat Club looks forward to welcoming competing crews, VIPs and guests and especially Stratford and Warwickshire residents and visitors to the town down to watch and enjoy what is going to be an action packed day.”
