Bristol Universities all set for 20th Anniversary Varsity Boat Race

April 14, 2014

On Saturday 26th April Bristol’s floating harbour will once again play host to the annual Varsity Boat Race that pits UWE Bristol against neighbours, the University of Bristol.

Inaugurated in 1995, the event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, a milestone that the organisers say promises the biggest and best event yet. The Boat Race is the oldest and most prestigious of the flagship events of the two Universities’ Varsity Series that runs from February and culminates in May.

Raced from Hotwells to the heart of the city, the 1300 metre sprint is an exciting showcase of side-by-side boat racing. With a series of races throughout the day, the University of Bristol BC will be trying to wrestle the Varsity Challenge Cup and Blade from the hands of the current holders, UWE Bristol. This year’s victors will be congratulated by Mark Hunter MBE at the Boat Race presentation at 3pm.

Bristol leads the overall Varsity Boat Race contest with 12 wins to 7 for UWE Bristol. A highlight of the sporting calendar for both teams and current students, the Varsity Series is an exciting and enjoyable mix of good natured rivalry and competition.

To celebrate the Varsity Boat Race’s 20th Anniversary, a new mixed veterans race has been introduced. Previous club members who established the Varsity Race have been invited back to compete.

The full race schedule is as follows:
11:00 – Race 1: The Eleanor Rose Ellis Novice Men’s 1 8+ *
11:20 – Race 2: UWE Lightweight 1st 8+ vs Bristol Alumni 8+
11:45 – Race 3: Novice Women 1st 8+ *
12:15 – Race 4: Alumni Men 1st 8+
12:40 – Race 5: Alumni Women 1st 8+
13:10 – Race 6: Senior Men 2nd 8+
13:30 – Race 7: Veteran Mixed 1st 8+
14:00 – Race 8: Senior Women’s 1st 8+ * Race Sponsored by Movement Digital Ltd
14:30 – Race 9: Senior Men’s 1st 8+ *
15:00 – Presentation at Olive Shed
*Count towards the Varsity Blade

For further details on the Varsity Series, this year’s selected charities and the event sponsors see: http://www.varsityseries.com