Crew Races in Henley Regatta for 3rd Time

For the third time in history, the varsity crew will go to Henley, England, to compete for the Grand Challenge Cup in July, Athletic Director William J. Bingham '16 announced last night. The oarsmen will fly to England on June 24, the day after the Yale race in New London.

The finals of the 111-year-old Royal Henley Regatta will be held on the Thames July 8, with preliminary heats starting on July 5. The number of crews entering is not yet known, but any amateur crew can compete if authorized.

The Crimson rowed in 1914 and 1939, and won the Cup both times. In 1914, eight crews were entered, and in 1939 Harvard rowed three two-boat heats.

13 Men Going

Eight men, a coxswain, and two alternates, accompanied by Coach Tom Bolles and Manager Steve Little, will make the trip. The race will be rowed over the Henley distance of one mile and five sixteenths. Single sculls and fours will also be in the Regatta.

This is the earliest that the Henley race has been held since the war, and fits into the schedule well, coming only two weeks after the Yale race. The crew has not gone to Henley since 1939 because the race was scheduled so late. The early date enables the varsity to go directly to England and begin training for the shorter sprint distance of the Henley course, after rowing the four-mile course against Yale.

The expedition will probably be financed by private sources.

This year's varsity has turned in very fast speeds in the sprint time trials, and should have a good chance for victory in July, even after training for June's four-mile race.

The crew will probably not go to England next year because it is expected that the Washington Regatta at Seattle will be revived. 1952 is an Olympic year, and after the Yale race the varsity that year will enter the tryouts.

When it last rowed in Seattle, rowing center of the country, the Crimson led the field and set a national record in the process by rowing the 2000 meter course in 5:49.