The University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University Boat Clubs today announce their crews for the 8th annual Aberdeen Asset Management City of Aberdeen Universities Boat Race to take place on Sunday 2nd of March at 1pm.
The multi-cultured crews who will do battle on the Dee include 2 Irish, 11 Scots, 3 English, 1 Canadian and 1 German. The sexes are fairly well balanced on both crews, with five females in each crew, including the coxes.
Sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, who also sponsor the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race, the Aberdeen race is the longest running Universities' boat race North of the border and over the last few years has established itself as Scotland's answer to the Boat Race.
Harri Norton, President of Aberdeen University Boat Club believes her crew of rowing addicts will ensure the trophy returns to their club. "Rowing is like a drug we are hooked on. None of us knows why we go out on the river at 5am and train like mad when it's all over after 8 minutes. Our aim is not just to finish first but to finish in our best ever time."
The University of Aberdeen has continually beaten its rivals in the past seven races but Robert Gordon University is quietly confident this year after some unorthodox training measures, including moonlit training sessions.
RGU Captain, Andrew Richardson says : "The training this year has been really intensive and I believe we will give them a run for their money. We are certainly better looking than they are. If all else fails, hopefully, their boat will sink!"