Henley, England – June 24, 2005: The University of Southern California’s global outreach will again touch the River Thames today with the arrival of the Trojan Men’s Heavyweight Crew in Henley-on-Thames, England. USC’s finest are in the United Kingdom at the invitation of the late Lord James Hanson for the Henley Royal Regatta.


The Late Lord James Hanson
Obituary

Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best known regatta in the world and it holds a unique place in the respect and affection of all oarsmen. Founded in 1839, it is famous both as a great sporting occasion and a social event; and people come from all over the world to attend, either as competitors or as spectators. Winning an event at Henley has always been considered one of the greatest achievements of a rower's career, even amongst those who have become world champions; and a rowing life is not complete if it does not include competing at Henley.

Unlike all other major international regattas, racing at Henley is on a knock-out basis, with crews rowing two abreast over a course which is one mile 550 yards (2,112 metres) long. Winners proceed to the next round.

Henley Royal Regatta will be raced over five days. USC is entered in the Ladies Challenge Plate for men’s heavyweight eight man crews. The first rounds of the Ladies Challenge Plate will begin racing on Thursday 30th June, 2005.

The Draw for all Events takes place at 3.00 p.m. on Saturday 25th June in Henley Town Hall.

The hour during which racing takes place each day varies with the number of entries received but in recent years the following general pattern has proved fairly consistent:

Wednesday - Heats
First Race - 9:00 am
Last Race - 7:30 pm
Approximate Number of Races - 80

Thursday - Heats
First Race - 8:30 am
Last Race - 7:30 pm
Approximate Number of Races - 88

Friday - Quarter-Finals
First Race - 8:30 am
Last Race - 7:30 pm
Approximate Number of Races - 60

Saturday - Semi-Finals
First Race - 9:30 am
Last Race - 7:30 pm
Approximate Number of Races - 44

Sunday - Finals
First Race - Noon
Last Race - 7:30 pm
Approximate Number of Races - 19

On Sunday the Enclosures are opened at 11.00 a.m. and the Prizegiving Ceremony will be at 6.00p.m.

While in England the USC Trojans will also enjoy a host of social activities. On Monday June 27th the Crew will join fellow international oarsmen for a reception for overseas crews at the River & Rowing Museum. Later in the week the Crew will travel to London to join the Hanson Family for lunch at the Royal Thames Club. On June 30 the Crew will then be guests of honor for a banquet for family, alumni and friends of the Crew at the Leander Boat Club.