Aberdeen rowing crew set to compete at famous regatta for first time ever
More than 300,000 visitors are expected to watch the event
Last updated 26th Jun 2023
A group of young rowers from Aberdeen will be swapping the Dee for the Thames when they compete in the world's most prestigious rowing event.
The Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (ASRA) are sending two squads to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time.
Coach Holly Reid said: "The club has never competed at the Henley Royal Regatta before, and we are all very excited at the prospect of both boats performing well amongst world-class opposition."
"The kids are all really excited to take part, they're all looking forward to it but I think a bit of nerves are kicking in.
"When we go down there'll be a lot of very fast crews that we'll be racing against so it's all a bit of an unknown at the moment."
A project years in the making
The Henley Royal Regatta is attended by over 300,000 people each year and consists of over 300 races.
The Junior Women's Eight Oars with Coxswain and the Men’s Four Oars with Coxswain will compete against the worlds most decorated teams.
"There's been a really fantastic group of volunteers have ben working tirelessly since the club was founded to make sure that the kids have the best facilities, coaching and equipment to get to a level like this," added Ms Reid.
"On the other hand, we have all the kids and athletes themselves. They've been training for several years a lot of them, six days a week, and often twice of those days.
"They've spent a huge amount of time balancing their studies with training just for the chance to race at this level.
Inspiring the next generation
Ms Reid continued: "We hope that by competing at an event which has such a global appeal will inspire many more youngsters in the Aberdeen area to come along and try the sport."
The ASRA are running a free 'Learn-to-Row' programme in the summer holidays for anyone wishing to try out the sport. Details can be found here.