The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is set to mark its 139th edition next month, when the historic and highly anticipated regatta brings together rowing enthusiasts, athletes, and spectators to the picturesque Martindale Waterways on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples in St. Catharines, Ontario to witness thrilling races from August 6-13, 2023.

Making the 139^th edition all the more significant is the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Committee’s inclusion of the 2023 Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) Canadian Masters Championships as part of the Henley Masters Event taking place Sunday, August 6. 

Masters competitors representing RCA Member Organizations racing for Henley Masters Gold will simultaneously be racing as part of the RCA Canadian Masters Championships. All winners representing RCA Member Organizations in the Royal Canadian Henley Masters events will also be awarded a 2023 RCA Canadian Masters Championships Gold Medal.

As per RCA Rules of Racing Rule 2.7, competitors entered into the Royal Canadian Henley Masters events/2023 RCA Canadian Masters Championships are only permitted to race Championship and Open Henley events (e.g. dashes) as part of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, August 8-13, 2023.*

Founded in 1880, the Royal Canadian Henley holds a prominent place in the history of our nation’s rowing. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as one of the premier rowing competitions in North America attracting top-notch athletes from various clubs, universities, and national teams, showcasing their skills and competing for glory.

The regatta features an extensive lineup of races spanning multiple categories and age groups. From high school rowers to elite professionals, participants vie for victory in different events, including singles, doubles, fours, and eights. With such diverse categories, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta offers opportunities for rowers of all levels to test their might and compete against their peers. Registration for the 2023 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is open until July 28, 2023.

Register for 2023 Royal Canadian Henley Masters / RCA Canadian Masters Championships Events

Register for 2023 Royal Canadian Henley Race Week Events

One of the distinctive aspects of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is the presentation of coveted trophies to the winners of each race. Some of the most prestigious trophies include the Royal Canadian Henley Trophy, given to the overall champion based on cumulative points earned across multiple events, and the Raymond Judson Memorial Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Men’s Masters C Single. In keeping with Royal Canadian Henley traditions, the winners and top Canadian crews of the 2023 RCA Canadian Masters Championships categories will be awarded a gold medallion to symbolize excellence and a testament to the top Canadian rower’s and crews’ dedication and skill.

The regatta attracts rowers from across Canada, the United States, and beyond, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere that converge at Martindale Waterways to which fosters international camaraderie. The event serves as an excellent platform for cultural exchange, as participants and spectators come together to celebrate the sport of rowing.

Held traditionally in early August, the 2024 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta will be held one week earlier to accommodate the mega World Rowing Championships, that include the World Rowing Championships, World Rowing Under 23 Championships and World Rowing Under 19 Championships, which are taking place at St. Catharines, Ontario in August 18-25, 2024. This means that the 140^th edition of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta will begin with the Henley Masters on Sunday, July 28, 2024, with the Henley Race week events resuming on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta plays a crucial role in promoting the sport of rowing, inspiring the next generation of athletes and raising awareness about the physical and mental benefits of the sport. This storied event serves as a showcase for rowing clubs and universities, allowing them to demonstrate their prowess with exhilarating races, celebrate the spirit of competition and attract new talent. As the 139th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta approaches, the anticipation and excitement among rowing enthusiasts continue to build, the regatta’s legacy in fostering the growth of rowing in Canada is both significant and enduring.

*Exception: coxswains are permitted to compete (as coxswains) in all applicable Royal Canadian Henley Regatta events