The 142nd Royal Canadian Henley Regatta came to a close on Sunday after a week of great racing, international competition, and the familiar atmosphere that has made Henley a summer tradition in St. Catharines, Ontario. 

Held August 4-9 at the Royal Canadian Henley course on Martindale Pond, this year’s regatta welcomed over 2,700 athletes representing six countries and featured a strong field of competitors across the week. 

However, the road to this year’s regatta was not without its challenges. 

The week leading into the event brought bouts of extreme weather to the region, with heavy rain causing flooding and leaving some members of the rowing community dealing with flooded basements. 

On Sunday, August 2, the Henley Masters Regatta and Canadian Masters Championships got underway, with some racing taking place before poor weather and tornado warnings moved through the region, forcing the remainder of the 1-day event to be cancelled. 

Despite the challenging conditions and the aftermath of the severe weather at home, the rowing community showed its commitment to Henley. Over 500 volunteers, many of whom were dealing with the impacts of the storms, continued to show up to support the event, ready to help and, as always, with smiling faces. 

Chief Umpire Debbie Sage said the commitment of those volunteers was a reminder of the dedication that goes into putting on Henley. “I’d really like to thank the volunteers because their lives have been turned upside down from the flooding and the rain twice in one week, yet they’re out here making this place run. That’s the spirit of St. Catharines and the spirit of Henley, and we so appreciate that.” 

That same spirit was reflected on the water throughout the week. “Royal Canadian Henley is an iconic event on the Canadian rowing calendar and a real celebration of the sport,” said Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Interim CEO of Rowing Canada Aviron. “It’s great to see athletes from across Canada and around the world come together to compete. We’re grateful to all the volunteers whose work makes Henley possible year after year.”

For Henley Chair Peter Scott, the quality of racing was a highlight of the week. “The caliber of racing this week met, and in many cases exceeded, my expectations, keeping the prestige of a Henley Gold fully intact,” shared Peter. “We also saw a continuing trend of US Rowing and other international participation, which only reinforces the stature of this historic event.” 

The international field added to the character of the regatta, with athletes from the United States, Argentina, Mexico, and Germany joining Canadian competitors throughout the week. Henley Commissioner, Serge Paquin, pointed to the scale of this year’s event as a reflection of the regatta’s strength. 

“With 127 clubs, over 2,700 athletes, and six countries on the water this year, the 142nd Canadian Henley Regatta once again proved itself as one of the largest and most competitive regattas in North America. Every edition raises the bar, and I can’t wait to see where we take this regatta, and this sport, next.” 

The atmosphere around the course was also a major part of the week, with athletes, family, friends, and spectators once again bringing the Henley course to life. 

For Jana Peachy of North Star Rowing Club, the 142nd Royal Canadian Henley marked her first time competing at the historic regatta. Jana raced in the women’s pair alongside St. Catharines Rowing Club’s Cait Whittard, with the pair now set to represent Canada together at next week’s FISU World University Rowing Championships in London, Ontario. 

“This regatta was so fun and chaotic in the best way possible,” said Peachy. “Cait and I did the best we could in our race, and we’re excited to build on that experience heading into FISU. We’re ready to lay down a great race!” 

For para rower, Abbygayle Durliat, Henley is a much more familiar setting. With St. Catharines serving as her home course, Abbygayle has raced these waters before and knows firsthand what makes the Henley experience special.  
 
“This is my fifth year racing here, and it’s always exciting to see all the crews come to compete,” said Abbygayle. “I also love getting the opportunity to see friends and watch the community come together. I know this course and I know what to expect, so I always have fun and look forward to racing on Martindale Pond.” 

Despite the challenges that surrounded the start of the week, athletes, volunteers, officials, family, friends, and supporters came together to make the 142nd Henley a memorable week of racing and community. The 143rd Royal Canadian Henley will return to St. Catharines next summer, taking place August 1-8, 2027.   

 

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Royal Canadian Henley Website 

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