Henley qualification and the 2028 two-entry rule

A short explainer for captains and coaches planning Henley crews, now and from 2028.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

How crews get into Henley

Many events at Henley Royal Regatta have more entries than places. Crews that are not selected straight into the draw race a time-trial qualifying race shortly before the regatta for the remaining places. The rules and dates for each year are published by the regatta.

The two-entry rule from 2028

Henley Royal Regatta has announced that, from the 2028 regatta, clubs will be limited to two entries (an A and a B crew) in the club and student events and in the Fawley and Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cups. Some events stay at one entry per club. It does not apply in 2027. Read the regatta's own announcement and qualification rules for the event list.

What it means for clubs

  • Clubs that send several crews to one event will need to choose their best two.
  • Crew selection and boat allocation decisions come earlier in the season.
  • Squads may spread across more events.

How BoatLog helps

Regatta planning is boat planning. BoatLog lets the captain book boats for training camps and race weeks, and restrict top boats to the crews racing in them, with a full history of who used each hull.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: Plan the regatta weekend: book the boats each crew will race.
Plan the regatta weekend: book the boats each crew will race. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

How do you qualify for Henley Royal Regatta?

Some crews are selected straight into the draw; others race a time-trial qualifying race shortly before the regatta for the remaining places. The regatta publishes the rules each year.

What is the Henley two-entry rule?

From the 2028 regatta, clubs will be limited to two entries (A and B crews) in the club and student events and in the Fawley and Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cups.

Does the two-entry rule apply in 2027?

No. The regatta announced it in 2026 to take effect from 2028.

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