The 2022 STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club Regatta takes place this weekend and preparations are well advanced for the event which returns after a two-year absence.
Smaller regattas were held by the club last September due to Covid restrictions, the event is now set to return to a full schedule and is sponsored by Stratford Self Store.
The grounds and club building were tidied, the oar and sculling blades were painted and the boats were checked to competition standards.
And the regatta has been held 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 is going into planning for the regatta, we have already set up our marquees and started to get stock of tea tents from local suppliers.
“Additional furniture, equipment and services need to be hired and that is why we are delighted to have Stratford Self Store as our main sponsor.”
AB 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 The Grammar School Worcester Boat Club is set to take part in this year’s regatta.
The races will be held on the municipal stretch of the river from Holy Trinity Church to the club grounds near the tram bridge.
The regatta is also attracting a lot of interest from visitors to the town, with many visiting Bancroft Gardens and Recreation Ground to enjoy the race, while a food cart and beer and snack tent tea in the club grounds are open to all.
Racing will start at 8:00 a.m. and end around 6:30 p.m. with 37 events and 163 races taking place this year.
Stratford Boat Club Treasurer, Paul Hazelwood, added: “The regatta as well as the Fun Regatta on Saturday 9th July are very weather dependent events and without our sponsors we could not risk running the regattas.
“We are also incredibly fortunate to have the help of other river organizations such as the Avon Navigation Trust, Sea Cadets, Avon Boating, Environment Agency, Bancroft Cruisers, Canal and River Tours, the Countess of Evesham and also the cooperation of those who make their living on the river.
Club chairman Paul Stanton said: “The Stratford upon Avon Boat Club look forward to welcoming competing crews, VIPs and guests, and in particular residents of Stratford and Warwickshire and visitors to the town. to watch and enjoy what is going to be a busy day.
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