Staines Amateur Regatta nearly three feet high was won by London Rowing Club. The regatta takes place in the 4th weekend in July and attracts top crews from around the UK. The regatta currently takes place on the 500-metre downstream course from St Peter's Church until 'Silvery Sands'. The regatta is launch umpired. Whilst the regatta and boat club are two different organisations, Staines Boat Club members now act as volunteers in running the regatta. The regatta itself has run in several different guises, including a longer 1500m, and 1000m course - currently it is a "sprint" regatta at 500m. Staines Amateur Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta As the intermediate start installations were required for the shorter distance, the races had to take place during intervals in the normal racing programme (the lunch or tea breaks) which meant that only the dedicated stayed to watch. This was a pity, since the final of the Women's Invitation Single was a highlight of the regatta, with Beryl Mitchell of Thames Tradesmen’s Rowing Club (World Silver medallist in 1981) beating Stephanie Foster of Waiariki Rowing Club, New Zealand (World Bronze medallist in 1982) by one length. Astrid Ayling was also able to race legitimately, winning the Invitation Double Sculls event