Metropolitan Regatta

The Metropolitan Regatta is an international rowing regatta. It takes place on Dorney Lake, Buckinghamshire near Eton next to the River Thames in southern England. It attracts crews from schools, clubs and universities from around the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

The regatta, which was officially first raced in 1866, arose out of a challenge given by the relatively short-lived West London Rowing Club to London Rowing Club the year before.

On 8 August 1865, two races were held on the Tideway from Putney to Chiswick Church, following the efforts of the captains of the most prominent rowing clubs at the time, as the initial challenge had resulted in an invite being sent to the captains of the Metropolitan Rowing Clubs, inviting them to enter a junior eight oared crew (made up of men who had never previously competed successfully in any open races).

The final was won by the London Rowing Club crew, Thames Rowing Club came second and West London third. At the same time a pair oared race was also held, which attracted eight entries. London Rowing Club were again victorious.

The event was so successful that it was decided to establish an annual regatta on the Putney water and a committee of management was formed, composed of the captains of nearly all the recognised amateur rowing clubs on the Thames.

The initial committee was short lived, and since then, following the initiate of LRC captain Herbert Playford, the management of the regatta has been in the hands of London Rowing Club. The Regatta's first Hon. Secretary was Charles Dickens, Jr..

In following years, the event was held on the first available tide after Henley when high water was around 5 pm.

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