HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England—Imagine traveling 3,500 miles to compete in one of the world's most renowed sporting event, only to face a qualifier just to earn entry into the main event.

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With 64 entries for just 32 spots in the Henley Royal Regatta's Temple Challenge Cup, the Hobart varsity eight had to complete a time trial on the Thames River today. 

Eighteen crews were granted berths in the 32-crew field, leaving 46 crews battling for the final 14 spots. Reynaldo Kelly, Maxwell Swagler, Gerry Samson, Jack Trimble, Andrew Cobb, Harald Zurakowski, David Roberts, Peter Nettl, and Coty Burgess faced light rain and temperatures in the mid 50s at race time, but that didn't dampen their competitive fire. The Statesmen charged through the course and into the field of 32.

The Henley Royal Regatta doesn't post times for the qualifying races, so the Statesmen have no idea if they are the fastest qualifier, the slowest qualifier or somewhere in between.

On June 29, Hobart will begin what could be up to five days of racing in the Temple Challenge Cup. Crews race head-to-head on a 2,112-meter course in a knockout format.

The Statesmen arrived in England on June 21. The 13-man Hobart delegation visited Stonehenge yesterday. The Statesmen will return to competition tomorrow in the Reading Town Regatta. Hobart's eight and a coxless pair will race in the 800-meter sprint on the Thames upriver from the Henley course.

The Temple Challenge Cup draw will also be announced on Saturday.

The Statesmen will use Sunday, June 26, as a sightseeing day, visiting London's Buckingham Palace, Parliament, and the Tower Bridge.

Hobart is scheduled to fly home on July 4.