Datteln Rowing Club at the Henley Royal Regatta

This year, RV Datteln visited the oldest and most prestigious rowing regatta in the world for the second time. While last year's motto was "taking part is everything," the goal for 2026 was set a step higher with "not to be Tuesdayed." The races in the various challenges are held in a one-to-one knockout system, meaning that by Tuesday evening, after the first day of racing, half of all teams are already eliminated ("Tuesdayed"). After successfully qualifying again this year, this was not to be the case. The first opponent was Derby RC from the English Midlands. They had delivered a strong performance at the prestigious Marlow Regatta two weeks before Henley and therefore, unlike us, did not have to fight their way through the qualifying races. After an intense side-by-side battle on the dammed Thames, our team managed to defeat their opponents by a boat length after a distance of 2112 meters. (See video footage with great commentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-SKgI3H4r8&t=70s ) Goal achieved! In the next race on Wednesday, our crew unfortunately lost to a Henley-experienced crew from Northwich. But this left plenty of time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere that pervades the small English town during regatta week. From Thursday onwards, when only a few participants remain in the competition, the place is buzzing! During the day, the stands in the finish area were packed with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen cheering on their boats; in the evenings, everyone gathered in the pubs and on the streets to celebrate. Another unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, there is no comparable event in Germany.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-SKgI3H4r8