Marlow Regatta

Marlow Regatta is a multi-lane regatta held in June at Dorney Lake, near Windsor. It was founded in 1855 on the Thames at Marlow and moved to the lake in 2001.

The course

Dorney Lake is a purpose-built rowing course of 2,000 metres with eight lanes and a separate channel for crews going to the start. It hosted the rowing events of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Because the water is still and the lanes are equal, times here can be compared in a way that is impossible on a river.

Format

Events begin with time trials or heats and end in multi-lane finals. The regatta offers championship, academic and club events for men and women, with eights and fours making up most of the entry.

Why it matters

Marlow falls about two weeks before Henley Royal Regatta. It is the last multi-lane race for most Henley crews, and results are read closely as a guide to who will be seeded and who will need to qualify.

Three regattas at Dorney serve as the main form guides for Henley: the Metropolitan, Wallingford and Marlow.

Marlow on the river

Racing on the river at Marlow did not end when the main regatta moved. Marlow Town Regatta is still held on the Thames beside the town.

Watching