A note from the organising committee (29/07/2024 10:00)
Yesterday (28/07/24) there was an incident where the oar of a crew racing in the regatta hit a swan.
We understand that the swan is ok but we felt we had no choice but to cancel the end of the regatta due to concern about swan welfare.
Swans are a much-loved part of the river in Staines and their presence has been a feature of the regatta since it began in 1851. In recent years we have gathered as many swans as possible at Truss’s Island during racing to ensure they are not harmed.
We will review the arrangements for next year in collaboration with the swan protection and welfare groups to ensure that racing can go ahead and swans are kept safe.
