The highly anticipated RMB Universities Boat Race 2024 came to a thrilling close on the Kowie River, marking another successful year of this premier rowing event. From the 12th to the 14th of September, South Africa’s top university rowing teams battled it out in a series of intense head-to-head races, showcasing exceptional talent, teamwork, and endurance.
This year’s event brought together rowers from across the country, each vying for supremacy in one of South Africa’s most iconic university sporting events. The picturesque setting of Port Alfred once again provided the perfect backdrop for the action-packed regatta, with spectators lining the banks of the Kowie River to cheer on their respective teams.
RMB Universities Boat Race is renowned for its fierce competition between university crews in both the men’s and women’s categories. All crews put on dominant performances in both divisions, with A finalists including the University of Pretoria (Tuks), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and the University of Cape Town (UCT), reflecting their depth of talent and training in this demanding sport. In the Men’s A final, Tuks and UCT displayed their technical prowess and saw UCT cross the finish line to secure first place with a time of 18:30.9, after a commanding race from start to finish. The Women’s A final saw an equally impressive performance, with the Tuks ladies taking home top honours with a time of 20:31.1 and continuing their legacy as one of South Africa’s rowing powerhouses.
The event has long served as a platform for emerging rowing talent. University rowing clubs across the country continue to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in both competition and sportsmanship, contributing to the development of rowing in South Africa. More than just a competition, the RMB Universities Boat Race is a celebration of camaraderie and sportsmanship, where university students from diverse backgrounds come together in pursuit of excellence. The spirit of the event was felt not only on the water but in the friendships and bonds formed off the riverbanks. The event continues to inspire the next generation of rowers and foster a passion for rowing among university students nationwide.
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) remains a proud sponsor of the Universities Boat Race, reinforcing its dedication to supporting South African rowing. RMB’s sponsorship ensures the ongoing growth of the sport, providing essential resources for athletes and contributing to the development of rowing at a grassroots level.
“RMB Universities Boat Race is a diverse showcase of South African optimism, resilience and talent. RMB is a proud and longstanding partner of rowing and believe in its ability to unite people and teams to work together to achieve common goals as well as timeless values that will transcend throughout life,” says Michael Edwards, Sponsorship Marketing Lead at RMB.
As the RMB Universities Boat Race 2024 draws to a close, participants and spectators alike are already looking forward to next year’s event. With each passing year, the competition grows in stature, solidifying its place as a key highlight in South Africa’s rowing calendar.
For further information please visit https://rowsa.co.za/