VICTORIA - For the first time since 1980 the UVic Vikes men's rowing eight will compete in the historic Henley Royal Regatta.

The Vikes eight, who helped secure the program's fifth national title in 2009, boarded their transatlantic flight Tuesday and are one of 65 university crews entered in the Temple Challenge Cup.

The eight consists of cox #Jane Gumley#, #Mike Mason#, #Richard Herlinveaux#, #Mark Vodden#, #Eric Bevan#, #Eddie Vaughan#, #Eric Tremblay#, #Pete Brooks#, #Brent Dalimore#, with coach Howard Campbell.

The Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two world wars. This year's entry totals include 505 crews from 20 different nations, and runs June 30 to July 4.