Durham Regatta is a rowing regatta held annually on the second weekend in June on the River Wear in Durham, North East of England. It is known as the Henley of the North, but began several years before the more prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. Durham Regatta is the second-oldest rowing regatta in England, preceded only by Chester Regatta. The first regatta was held over 17–19 June 1834, opening with a six-oared race in 1834 won by "Velocity", owned by W. L. Wharton, High Sheriff of Durham, against the Durham University Original Club in "Sylph".