The date for the 2019 Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race has been announced. All eyes will be on the River Dee on Saturday, March 23, 2019 as Aberdeen’s two universities go oar-to-oar once more in the annual boat race.
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race – the longest running boat race in Scotland – returns for the 24th year thanks to the continued support of the global investment group.
The University of Aberdeen is challenging its rival and reigning boat race champion Robert Gordon University (RGU) to a rematch, in the hope of turning the tables and returning to victory. Last year, RGU’s mixed crew of eight emerged triumphant just by 6.1 seconds against their rivals. The University of Aberdeen crew last won the race in 2017.
Aberdeen University Boat Club president Anna-Sophie Tirre, 21, is hopeful that, after last year’s close match, her crew will win the trophy this year. The law student who hails from Aukrug, Germany, says: “No amount of rain or cold has hindered our determination to walk away with the trophy in 2019 – we are ready to win this match. We managed to break RGU’s five-year winning streak in 2017 and this year, we’ll do it again.”
However, for 22-year old Erin Wyness, president of RGU Boat Club losing won’t be an option The M.Sc. Management student from Aberdeen, says: “The Aberdeen Boat Race is one of the highlights of the year for our clubs, and following on from our victory in 2018 against a competitive AU crew, we are determined to walk away with the trophy again in 2019.”
The course of the Aberdeen Standard Investments boat race runs along the River Dee from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club allowing spectators the opportunity to watch the competing crews along the riverbank. Each team of eight, along with their coxes, has already embarked on a rigorous training regimen to attain optimal physical strength for the nail-biting competition.
Ahead of the main race, the day’s programme will also include second crew and alumni races. Students, alumni and members of the public are invited to the banks of the Dee to cheer on the crews.
Professor John Harper, principal of RGU, says: “Year after year, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race remains a major sports highlight in Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland. It never fails to attract public interest and enthusiasm. The determination of the two teams is unbeatable, representing their universities with dedication and pride throughout this competition – from the initial days of intense training right to the end of the finishing line. I look forward to supporting the RGU crew in March for what will be a challenging race.”
Professor George Boyne, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, says: “The Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race crews show great skill and unflinching determination in their efforts to emerge as winners. Their hard work is truly inspiring for all of us. Both of the crews put everything they have for this race which always turns out to be such an exciting event.”
Martin Gilbert, Co-CEO of Aberdeen Standard Investments, comments, “Undoubtedly, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race is a long-awaited sporting event in the city. The rowers always earn our support and admiration through their willingness to give their all to the race. All crew members should take pride in their commitment. We are pleased to be supporting the Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race again in 2019. We wish both crews the best of luck whilst also congratulating them on their hard work and dedication.”
For all the latest updates on the crews and their training, follow the Aberdeen Boat Race on Twitter @2019boatrace, Instagram @abdnboatrace and on Facebook.
Group photo of rival rowing teams. RGU in black and Aberdeen University in blue