Exeter boys crew will take to one of rowing's grandest stages on Tuesday, June 30^th when Big Red opens competition at the 2026 Henley Royal Regatta, one of the world's oldest and prestigious rowing events.

Held annually on the iconic River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, England, the regatta dates back to 1839 and has grown into a six-day international showcase featuring the world's top junior, collegiate, club, and elite crews. This year's event is the largest in its storied history, with a record 862 entries representing 21 countries, including nine reigning Olympians competing throughout the week.
Exeter enters the regatta after a strong streak of racing in England. Big Red opened its international schedule with a runner-up finish at the Marlow Regatta before using Saturday's Reading Town Regatta as its final tune-up ahead of Henley.

Henley features a unique head-to-head, single-elimination format. Two boats race side-by-side over a 2,112-meter (1 mile, 550 yards) stretch of the River Thames, with the winner advancing and the loser eliminated.

Exeter will begin its campaign in the prestigious Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, the championship event for and one of the premier scholastic rowing competitions in the world.
Big Red has been drawn against St. Edward's School (Oxford, England) in Tuesday's opening round at 1:50 PM EST (18:50 BST) and will race from the Berkshire station. The winner advances to the second round.

Be sure to tune in live to the event on the Henley Royal Regatta Youtube page.