UK Armed Forces Rowing (UKAF Rowing) promotes and coordinates rowing across the Services, bringing together the most talented rowers to represent Defence at high-profile regattas and championships—indoors and outdoors.
This week Team Forces was proud to support UKAF Rowing by delivering two standout engagements at the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta. The President of UKAF Rowing welcomed around 260 guests over two days, including valued sponsors, military hosts, and beneficiaries, to the picturesque Upper Thames Rowing Club—the team’s base and training ground during the Regatta.
The event provided a unique platform to strengthen connections between Defence and industry, celebrate shared values, and showcase how sport, teamwork, and adventurous challenge can positively impact lives across the Armed Forces community.
Adding to the energy of the event was the strong presence of the UKAF’s rowers, who shared first-hand insights into the unique challenge of Henley’s 2,112-metre course. Slightly longer than the standard 2,000m and just 80 feet wide, it demands intense physical endurance and laser-sharp technical skill to avoid clashing oars—making every stroke count.
Guests were also able to meet some of our inspiring Team Forces beneficiaries:
- Zara Lachlan, the first female to row across the Atlantic from Europe to South America (mainland to mainland), youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic from Europe to South America and the youngest person to row any ocean solo (female)
- Major Henry Wootton, training for the Golden Globe Race – a solo, non-stop, unassisted sail around the world. Using only traditional navigation and sailing a pre-1982 design yacht, this race is regarded as one of the toughest endurance events on the planet, demanding immense resilience, skill and determination.
- Major Garth Miller, member of Team:Everest which recently completed the journey from London to the peak of Everest and back in just seven days, setting a new record
- Captain Polly Marsh, CEO of The Ulysses Trust, which provides financial support, advice, and encouragement to UK Reserve and Cadet Forces for adventurous and challenging expeditions. The Trust aims to build confidence, strengthen communities, and change lives by enabling these forces to undertake activities that develop leadership, teamwork, and other valuable skills.
This event was a powerful example of what Team Forces exists to deliver: forging meaningful connections, celebrating remarkable individuals, and creating opportunities for the Armed Forces community to thrive through sport and adventure.
We are deeply grateful to all who attended and extend special thanks to our sponsors—whose continued support makes experiences like this possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Defence family—on and off the water.
UK Armed Forces Rowing – Henley 2025 Update
The UK Armed Forces Rowing Club continues to go from strength to strength, growing year on year. Crews are selected with a clear focus: to compete – and win – at premier events such as Henley Women’s Regatta (HWR), Henley Royal Regatta (HRR), and the British Rowing Senior Championships. Indoor rowing is also seeing a surge in popularity within the club, reflecting the breadth of talent and commitment across the services.
This summer marked the sixth consecutive year that UKAF Rowing has competed at Henley – a remarkable milestone since the club’s resurgence following the King’s Cup in 2019. Just three weeks ago, the club saw a standout performance from a women’s pair who not only qualified but raced in the Championship Pair category – the highest level at HWR. This marks the third UKAF women’s crew to compete at HWR and is a clear indicator of the growing depth and quality within the women’s squad.
Following a competitive trial and selection process, the men’s squad entered two coxless fours into the prestigious Wyfold Challenge Cup at HRR. These crews reflect the diversity and talent within the Armed Forces, comprising athletes from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force – including both commissioned and non-commissioned personnel. They range from individuals who learned to row through military programmes to athletes with experience at the highest levels, including Cambridge, Oxford, and Leander Club.
Despite being drawn against two of the top-seeded crews in the opening round, both UKAF men’s fours delivered fiercely committed and courageous performances. While they did not progress further this year, their efforts were a testament to the skill, resilience, and spirit of our Armed Forces.
