 He joined Thames Rowing Club in around 1904, first appearing at Henley Royal Regatta in 1906, with Julius Beresford as runners-up in Goblets and in a Thames Cup eight (which also included Bruce Logan).Beresford and Vernon were runners-up in Silver Goblets again in 1907 and 1908.In the Autumn of 1907, having become frustrated by their inability to impress the Thames coaches, Vernon and Beresford formed a new four with Logan and Charlie Rought.