The Trojan Navy Prepares to Race at England’s Royal Henley Regatta Next July

Plans are underway to send the Trojan Navy’s first ever crew to England’s Royal Henley Regatta next July. USC will enter a coxed four to compete for the Prince Philip Cup.

The last crew from the United States to win the Prince Philip was the US Olympic team in 1980 when it was forced to boycott the Moscow Games.

Coach Gene Kininmonth says the international exposure will be tremendous for both USC and the Men’s Crew program and believes his Trojans can be extremely competitive at Henley.

“The top four oarsmen in our squad are all close to being better than any oarsman I have ever coached in my life,” said Coach K. “These four rowers all have national team potential.”

Coach K says the goal is to win the IRA National Championships in the varsity four in June and then fly on to England. There the crew will train at Cambridge University in its preparation for the Royal Henley Regatta.

Coach K coached a GW four to a silver medal at IRAs in 2000. “Only one in that crew came close to the physical talent in this Trojan squad,” said Coach K.

“Paying for the trip is the biggest issue right now,” said Coach K. “While the oarsmen are prepared to pay for it themselves, we will be looking for alumni support, especially if the crew wins nationals.”

Remarkably, three months ago beating UCLA was a fantasy. Now our Trojans are calling themselves favorites for a national title. Unlike multi-lane international regattas, Henley still operates a knock-out draw with only two boats racing in each heat. Thousands of spectators, adhering to strict dress codes, line the banks of the Thames River to watch the crews racing in this prestigious event.

The length of the Course is 1 mile 550 yards, which is slightly longer than the standard international distance of 2,000 meters.

During the course of its history, the Regatta has often been honored by visits of members of the Royal Family, of which the most recent was that of The Princess Royal in 1999.