New Points System - Fantasy Henley 2023

I know, I know… apps, new points systems… why are you messing with everything?

Sitting at my computer at 1:30am I’ve asked myself the same question on multiple occasions.

The answer is simple, I think it’ll be good.

One of the things I really liked about the original points system (win as many points as there are crews entered in the event) was that it was simple and it made the less predicable events count for a lot more. One of the sad things about our sport is that the top trophies are fought over by so few crews (I’d merrily merge the Ladies Plate with the Grand but that’s a debate for another time).

So, I’ve tried to reflect this in the new points system but to a lesser extent.

The REALLY good news is that the picking process is still super simple, you pick who you think is going to win, and nothing more is expected of you.

But the points for Fantasy Henley 2023 will be awarded in three categories (the names are working titles):

• Win Points. 🏁

• Showman points.

• Goat points. 🐐

Win points are awarded to crews who win a race - so to my earlier point, crews who win more races will win more points. So if you win an event with 32 crews you’ll have to race 5 times. If it’s a straight final you’ll just race once. But the points will be as follows:

• Win a final - 32pts

• Win a semi - 16pts

• Win a quarter final - 8 pts

• Win a heat 2 - 4 pts

• Win a heat 1 - 2 pts

So in theory a crew winning the Grand with just two crews entered will come away with 32 points, but win the Thames Cup and you’ll earn 62.

Showman points are for races where there are changes of lead, a loser who is leading at the Barrier or Fawley will win 1 or 2 points respectively. Or, if they’re leading at both they’ll get four points.

And lastly goat points (Greatest Of All Time) are for crews who break or equal records and they’re BIG, as they should be if you make history. 50 points for a course record, 40 for a Fawley record and 30 for a barrier record. Half points if you equal the record.

*This points system is subject to change up until the regatta starts