10 December 2025

Yesterday, Henley Women’s Regatta (HWR) unveiled its Regatta and Eligibility Rules for 2026. The regatta also announced the creation of two new events for aspirational academic and club quadruple sculls.

A press release from HWR reads:

The Chairman’s Trophy for aspirational quadruple sculls has been one of the most popular events at the regatta in recent years, attracting 31 entries for 16 places in the side-by-side draw in 2025. As of 2026, the event will be split, with competitors from universities and other academic institutions now competing for the Nina Padwick Trophy. The Chairman’s Trophy will be awarded to the winning aspirational club quadruple sculls crew.

These events provide a clear pathway to Henley Royal Regatta (HRR). The new quadruple sculls events and HWR’s 2026 rules also reflect the introduction of the new intermediate, club and student women’s quadruple sculls events at HRR 2026.

After high entry numbers for championship events in 2025, notably the Ron Needs Challenge Cup for championship eights, HWR’s Competition Group will endeavour to offer as many championship crews as possible a side by side race within the timetable constraints.

The Parkside Trophy for championship lightweight coxless pairs has been removed from the 2026 programme due to low entry numbers in recent years.

The HWR eligibility rules have also been updated to clarify the requirements for athletes wishing to compete in aspirational events in 2026.

HWR Chairman Naomi Ashcroft said: “HWR aims to provide a pathway for both junior women and women at all stages of their rowing career. The introduction of club and academic aspirational quads provides an opportunity for even greater competition in women’s sculling and aligns with the introduction of three new quad sculling events for women at HRR, which we welcome and celebrate the move towards achieving gender parity.”

HRR Chair Richard Phelps said: “HRR is delighted to see the increase of women’s quads racing at HWR which links nicely to our new events and demonstrates the collaboration between our two organisations. I look forward to seeing these crews racing at both regattas.”