Race trees (V1 – 10 May 2026, 8.30am)
Order of Racing (V1 – 10 May 2026, 8.30am)
First-named crew takes the Surrey (Regatta) station.
GC=General Classification
Stay-on races
To increase the efficiency of the timetable/boating, the winner of the following J15, J14 and J13 races should stay on the water for their next race:
If you look at the Draw Trees it’s easier to see why this makes sense.
Coaches should brief their crews about this and ensure they have sufficient water and clothing (sunhats or waterproofs) for a 2-race session. Spare water will also be available at the start.
Challenge8s Instructions
Only Open Challenge8 are running this year with 2 crews. They will race each other twice, swapping stations, and staying on the water between races. Both races will be timed and the cew with the fastest aggregate time will win.
As the regatta draw software is not designed to handle this format, the trees/Order of Racing show these as 2 separate events with different crew numbers. Crews will be issued with one ‘number’ that will have the 2nd number written on it. Officials will be briefed on this.
Essential information for competitors and coaches
ALL competitors and their coaches should familiarise themselves with the following documents, printing out copies where appropriate:
Instructions for Competitors 2026
Course and Start Maps (these are also in the Instructions for Crews)
Safety Plan and Risk Assessment 2026 – plus do watch this video about boat checks >>
Junior Welfare Policy and Welfare Plan 2026
Combined Casualty and Accident Plans 2026
To view these PDF files, you may need to download the free Adobe Reader.
Changes to these Instructions for Crews for 2026
Local clubs whose crews may be rowing to the regatta are: LEH, Univ of Surrey, Molesey, Tiffin, Kingston RC and Surbiton HS. If you are racing them in their first round, coaches should co-ordinate in advance to ensure that both crews arrive at the start together.
Changes for 2025, which still apply
- Don’t forget to flush the toilets
Sorry to have to say this but we were disappointed by the state that quite a few people left the toilets in last year.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE: remember to pump the lever a few times and check it has flushed before leaving the portaloos. - Don’t wear sliders when boating
The banks can get quite muddy and slippy in the boating area so sliders are not suitable footwear. We recommend that you wear wellies or crocs with a heel strap.
Changes for 2024, which still apply
- All crews are strongly encouraged to find their opposition and boat with them. This is to reduce the risk of a crew having to wait too long at the start.
Exceptions to this are:- If your oppo is a local crew (LEH, Hampton, Molesey, Wimbledon High School, Kingston RC, Surbiton HS or Tiffin) and it’s their first round race, they may be rowing to the regatta. Coaches should try to co-ordinate in advance.
- If your oppo is KGS, they boat from their own landing stage – again, check in with their coaches in advance.
- Crews in some Plate event first rounds may have stayed on the water from their previous main-event race (check the Stay On Races list provided next to the Draw and Timetable above).
Changes from 2022, which still apply
- Shorter course: The START has been moved about 100m upstream to ensure that swans nesting behind the island are in no danger of being disturbed by wash as the Umpire launches accelerate off the Start.
- Even more waterfowl-friendly: We will stop any race where there is risk of collision with a swans, chicks or other waterfowl that cannot get out of the way. Coxes/steers should be aware that this may happen and be prepared to act promptly.
- The TOILETS have moved to the Kingston Grammar School end of the site on their ‘old astroturf’ and not in the middle of the trailer area. Factor a longer walk into your race preparations.
- Teas/coffees, cakes and burgers will be on sale at the regatta. Competitors should bring their own choice of ‘performance fuel’ for between races.
Thames Ditton Regatta 