Henley and other regattas will also show how competitions gradually increased in number, and also in the fields which they produced.
REGATTAS.
The institution of Henley Regatta in'1839 was the outcome of the various eight-oared matches which haye been rowed on that part of the river during the ten years preceding. ‘The regatta began with one prize only, the Grand Challenge Cup, a trophy which is unique for classical design, and which is to this day the ‘blue ribbon’ for amateur clubs. The gradual growth of Henley may be traced by perusal of a leading article contri- buted by the writer of this chapter to the ‘Field, in the July of 1886, on the eve of the greatest change which the regatta has undergone, that of alteration of the course. The article is now re- produced,[1] through the courtesy of the proprietors of that journal,
The new course, as compared with the old one, will best be understood by reference to the map of the reach, which appears elsewhere. ‘he change has had only two trials, those of 1886 and 1887, but it may he said that so far rowing clubs which frequent Henley are unanimous in approving of the alteration ; and so are all retired oarsmen, whose personal ex- perience of the regatta was under the old réyzme.
‘The old course was very one-sided. In the middle third of a mile—on a stormy day—with a stiff wind from W. or S.W., the shelter of the Bucks bushes—especially before house-boats and steam Jaunches multiplied and monopolised the frontage of the Bucks and Oxon shores—used to reverse entirely the advantage otherwise pertaining to the Berks stations. On such a day the Berks station placed most beats hopelessly out of the race, unless they could keep within a length ef the Bucks boat 1ill the ‘point’ was reached—in which ease the poplur corner made 4 pretty counterpoise to the adyantage of Bucks shelter, and caused some interesting finishes, Under the new régime not more than two boats can row in one heat ; and as the course is
- ↑ See Appendix.
