Durham Regatta is a regatta, rowing regatta held annually on the second weekend in June on the River Wear in Durham, England, Durham, North East of England; It is known as the Henley of the North, but began several years before the more prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. Durham Regatta is the second-oldest rowing regatta in England, preceded only by Chester Regatta. The first regatta was held over 17–19 June 1834, opening with a six-oared race in 1834 won by ''Velocity'', owned by W. L. Wharton, High Sheriff of Durham, against the University College Boat Club (Durham), Durham University Original Club in ''Sylph''.
The race has been held 182 times and, in recent years, the regatta has had competitors from all corners of the UK, as well as crews from as far afield as Nereus Rowing Club, Nereus in Amsterdam. Almost all colleges will compete across a variety of boat types and standards, and it is usually the chance to determine which college has the strongest crews of the year.
Events
Events are competed over either the short (regatta) course, a stretch of river which provides an excellent view of racing from start to finish, or the long (championship) course. The long course of takes in a number of sweeping bends and Elvet Bridge and ends near Prebends Bridge.
Grand Challenge Cup
The blue riband event is the Grand Challenge Cup, which has been run since 1854. It has recently been dominated by Durham University Boat Club and Newcastle University Boat Club.
This event is for Elite Men's Coxed Fours, and due to the introduction of the The Prince Albert Challenge Cup, Prince Albert Challenge Cup for Student Coxed Fours at Henley Royal Regatta, this event has proved to be useful practice for student crews from the University Boat Club and College Boat Clubs in the run up to the Royal Regatta.
Gallery
File:Prebends and weir.JPG, Prebends Bridge from downstream, the finish of the Long Course
File:Durham Regatta womens coxed 4s.jpg, A Women's Coxed Four from Tees rowing club racing
File:Elvet Bridge at the Durham Regatta.jpg, Competitors about to race through Elvet Bridge at the regatta as part of the Long Course (Newcastle University on the right)
File:SMCBCMen.jpg, A Durham college Men's Coxed Four race (St. Mary's closest)
File:River Wear, Durham, looking east - geograph.org.uk - 96832.jpg, Looking upstream, The Racecourse on the River Wear where the Short Course takes place
See also
*Rowing clubs on the River Wear.
References
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External links
Durham RegattaBBC News
Sport in Durham, England
Durham University Rowing
University rowing competitions in the United Kingdom
Annual sporting events in the United Kingdom
1834 establishments in England
June sporting events
Recurring events established in 1834
Annual events in England