Henley Regatta begins

The largest amateur rowing tournament in North America is getting underway.

The 132nd Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines begins this evening. Crews were out training on Martindale Pond this afternoon. The competition attracts 28-hundred athletes from across North America. It’s a weeklong rowing tournament. Some of the rowers who compete at the Henley go on to the Olympics.

“You get to see a lot of crews that you don’t normally get to see if we were to stay out west. There’s not as many clubs out there to give us as much competition.”

“It’s definitely the biggest regatta of the summer so it’s pretty cool.  To see the whole field filled with boats, it’s pretty exciting. Depending what event you’re in, there can be three different races before the final. So that’s a great opportunity to get lots of practise.”

The opening ceremonies began at the grandstand at 7:30 this evening. That was scheduled to be followed by a spectacular fireworks display.