The coronavirus pandemic forced the regatta to be cancelled for the first time since the Second World War last year and now threatens to dash plans of staging the 2021 edition as well.

Originally scheduled to be held from June 29 to July 4, the Committee of Management of Henley Royal Regatta said it was "exploring the potential" of holding the event in August.

Organisers are also considering moving the regatta from Henley to Dorney Lake - the rowing venue for the London 2012 Olympics - depending on the coronavirus situation.

The United Kingdom has recorded more than 118,000 fatalities from coronavirus and also registered more than four million cases. 

"Despite the positive news about vaccine rollout in the UK, the timing of the easing of current lockdown restrictions and a safe return to the staging of large scale outdoor events, remains highly uncertain," a statement from the Henley Royal Regatta read.

"In particular, it has become increasingly apparent that we cannot start the installation of the course and the construction of the site in March with a reasonable expectation that it will be possible to stage a regatta starting on June 29.  

"In addition, even if by then a regatta were to be possible, with either a limited number of spectators or behind closed doors, access to the wider area around the regatta site is not within the stewards’ direct control.  

"This is likely to present a level of operational and public health risk that would be unacceptable to the regatta, as well as its stakeholders including local authorities, public health officials, the police, and local residents.

"The Committee will strive hard to deliver a safe regatta later in the summer, in particular for the sake of the athletes and coaches who have worked tirelessly to give themselves the chance to race at Henley this year, and for whom Henley is an unrivalled beacon in the annual racing calendar.  

"However, our highest concerns will remain the health and safety of all those involved in the staging and running of the regatta, wider public health, and the regatta’s role in society’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

"The possibility therefore remains that the 2021 regatta may ultimately be cancelled."

The Committee is looking to stage the regatta from August 10 to 15 in Henley with Dorney Lake viewed as an alternative option at a time that has yet to be determined.

A further update is expected to be announced by the end of next month.

"We recognise and regret that these revised dates will present a challenge to many in the sport, especially school and university boat clubs," the statement added.

"They will also present a challenge to our suppliers, contractors, local traders, landowners and the Henley and Remenham communities.  

"It is therefore our task in the coming weeks to engage with as many stakeholders as possible, and ascertain the feasibility of staging a regatta in August.  

"In particular, we encourage the boat clubs to whom we have written today to provide us with their feedback.

"Our hope is to provide an opportunity for our competitors finally to race, after months of distance from the sport that successive lockdowns have necessarily enforced."