Dear friend of Reading Amateur Regatta 1842,
On behalf of the committee of Reading Amateur Regatta, we would like to thank you for being part
of 2022 regatta. This is the first year that we have been able to run since 2019. We were once again
humbled by the support that everyone has shown the Regatta. We could not do it without the army of
volunteers who allow the amazing athletes to shine on our stretch of the River Thames. This event is
so much more than just a regatta, it is part of Reading's history and you are an integral part of it.
The committee, umpires, marshals and other volunteers, are working flat out during the regatta and
so they only catch glimpses of the racing. However, those glimpses tell an amazing story of why this is
a unique regatta. There were so many stand out moments and for us, here are just a few: The two
amazing exhibition races between Reading Rowing Club and WSV Dusseldorf, one of which was won
by one foot. All of the juniors, and especially those coming from new rowing schools who are essential
in widening the appeal of our sport. The decision by some of the Schools to enter the Open 8+ which
allowed us to watch the top schools crews to go toe to toe with the university crews. A bowman who
has medalled at every RAR he has entered be that as a schoolboy, a university rower and now a Taurus
4- crew member. The host of Olympic Medallists on the bank coaching junior rowers to become the
next Olympic hopefuls. Some amazing masters rowing. Crews racing on our stretch from the USA.
Henley RC winning the junior Victor Ludorum competitions highlighting how strong junior club rowing
is in our region. Councillor Rowland for standing in for the Mayor who was in Dusseldorf and stayed
the whole day and presenting trophies. And our first visually impaired athlete who raced within the
main race, rather than within a separate division. We are awestruck by your performances as athletes!
So, a very big thank you to every helper, every athlete, every coach, every parent, every grandparent,
every spectator, all the residents of the town and those that manage it. Thank you for allowing junior
crews, the future of our sport, the opportunity to develop and race at Reading. Thank you for giving
masters crews the opportunity to show that they can and will race, whatever their age. Thank you for
being part of an organisation that allows crews from as far afield as Germany and the United States to
race on our stretch of the River Thames. And a special thank you to Friends of Caversham Court
Gardens for hosting the crew presentation in the Gardens. Thank you all for being part of the history
of Reading Amateur Regatta est. 1842.
The Committee of Reading Amateur Regatta 2022
A copy of the Reading Amateur Regatta Thank You letter can be downloaded here (PDF).