LONDON – The University of Iowa women’s rowing team qualified for the Henley Royal Regatta this past week. Iowa’s Varsity Eight will compete in the Island Challenge Cup and the Varsity Four will compete in the Princess Grace Challenge Cup.

Iowa’s V8 will take on Edinburgh University in the first round of the Island Challenge Cup on Wednesday. Iowa’s V4 will race Twickenham R.C. & Trentham B.C on Thursday. Times for these races are still to be determined.

For more information on draws, race times, and live streaming: https://www.hrr.co.uk/.

First held in 1839, the event has been held annually ever since, with the exception of the years affected by the two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally staged by the mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose. The Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840. Today, the regatta is staged for six days, ending on the first Sunday in July.

The Henley Royal Regatta is “the most prestigious regatta in the world,” according to its website. Races are held on the River Thames, one of London’s main attractions.

QUOTING HEAD COACH JEFF GARBUTT

“I could not be more proud of this group of Hawkeyes. They have handled every challenge that has been thrown their way this year. Being able to travel for the last two weeks and preparing for the weekend ahead has been a privilege to watch. This group has done a wonderful job bonding and growing over these past few weeks. To have both boats qualify for the Henley Royal Regatta is a special thing, anyone who has experienced this level of racing in England understands that.”