Grand Challenge Cup

The Grand Challenge Cup is a rowing competition for men's eights. It is the oldest and best-known event at the annual Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames in England. It is open to male crews from all eligible rowing clubs. Two or more clubs may combine to make an entry.
The event dates from 1839 and was originally called the "Henley Grand Challenge Cup". The Stewards resolved that a Silver Cup, for which they incurred 100 guineas, was to be competed for annually by amateur crews in eight-oared boats. One of the prize medals awarded at the first race was donated to the Regatta in 1969 and is on display in the Prize Tent.
The Grand Challenge Cup has since been competed for annually with the exception of the years affected by the two World Wars. The eligibility rules have varied over the years, but the premise that the Cup has always been open to all established amateur clubs has remained at its core. Subject to rowing together long enough...