The Regatta Enclosure is situated on the Berkshire bank,
just downstream from the Stewards' Enclosure. It is open to competitors,
supporters and the general public. The Regatta Enclosure offers seating
alongside the river and in an open grandstand. There is also an excellent
covered restaurant, an outside dining area and a bar.
Regatta Enclosure badges are valid for the whole day and
must be worn at all times within the Enclosure. Badges are also valid for entry
into the Boat Tent area .
Stewards' Enclosure
The enclosure situated on the Berkshire side, adjacent to
the last part of the course and the finish line. It comprises two covered
grandstands, a restaurant marquee, several bars, a bandstand and so on - all
set in immaculately prepared lawns. It is only open to the Stewards of the
Regatta, members of the Stewards' Enclosure and their guests. Overseas
competitors are also given the opportunity to purchase tickets.
The Stewards' Enclosure as understood today, an enclosure
open to members (elected by the Committee of Management of the Regatta) and
their guests, came into being in 1919 with a membership of 300. This grew to
704 in 1939 and 1,500 in 1956. In 1980 the Stewards set a ceiling of 5,000. The
waiting list for membership of the Stewards Enclosure is now several years
long, although preference is given to people who have previously competed at
the regatta. The waiting list has grown rapidly since the 1970s, when
membership could be applied for and granted on the same day.
The social position of the event means that some in the
Stewards' Enclosure (and elsewhere along the course) may have no interest in
the actual rowing.
The Stewards' Enclosure is also known for a strict
enforcement of its dress code. Men are required to wear a "lounge suit,
blazer and flannels, or evening dress, and a tie". Women are required to
wear a dress or skirt that covers their knees, and are "encouraged to wear
a hat" (although women wearing hats is often frowned upon in higher rowing
circles). Anyone not suitably dressed can be refused entry, no matter their
prestige in rowing or elsewhere. Mobile phone use is also prohibited.
The regatta prizegiving takes place in the Stewards'
Enclosure after the conclusion of racing on Sunday.
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