Durham Regatta is a rowing regatta held annually on the second weekend in June on the River Wear in Durham, North East of England. Known as the Henley of the North, Durham Regatta was formed several years before the more prestigious namesake 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.