The University of Aberdeen has won this year's Aberdeen Boat Race which took place on the River Dee on Saturday (March 11)
The head-to-head between the University of Aberdeen and RGU saw the University win in a time of 8 min 48 sec, crossing the line with a three and a quarter length margin ahead of their rivals.
RGU took the spoils in the shorter-distance second crew race, winning by a quarter of a length in a time of 2 min 43 sec. Meanwhile the University claimed this year’s alumni race by a third of a length, in a time of 8 min 22 sec.
Both universities raced under the theme ‘row it like you own it’ for the 2023 race, the 28th between the two institutions. Running since 1996, it is described as the north-east of Scotland’s answer to the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the Dee between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club.
Both crews train year-round for the race. Each of the 18 rowers take just under 5500 strokes during the race, testing their physical and mental endurance to the limit.
The University’s victory leaves the current overall standings at 20-8 against RGU.
Speaking after the race, Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) Team President Kirstin McCallum said: “‘The race could not have gone better. The University of Aberdeen squad has worked very hard over the past few months so it was great to be rewarded with a great row and a win!”
Bob Newton, Boat Race Secretary and Event Organiser, said: “It was great to see spectators back to the banks of the Dee for this year’s Aberdeen Boat Race, which thanks to everyone involved was yet another memorable event.
“My thanks go to both universities and other partners for their ongoing support, and to the crews for all their efforts this year.”