Ready to row! Swansea oars poised for the 10th Welsh Varsity Boat Race

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The 10th Welsh Varsity Boat Race, between Swansea University and Cardiff University Rowing Clubs, will take place on Saturday, April 18, on the River Tawe in Swansea.

Established in 2006, the annual boat race sees students from Wales' two premier rowing Universities go head to head in the battle for the title of Welsh Varsity Boat Race Champions.

The day will see four races rowed between competing eights:

  • the Novice Women’s VIII and Novice Men's VIII races  at 12:45pm and 13:30pm
  • the Senior Women’s First VIII at 14:15pm
  • the Senior Men’s First VIII at 15:00pm.

‌The races are rowed on the River Tawe, starting just downstream of the Hafod Copperworks to the sail bridge, over a distance of approximately two kilometres.

The best vantage points for spectators to view the races include A483, A4067 and Marina sail bridges as well as open footpaths along both banks on the latter part of the course.

‌Rowing Varsity 2015‌Picture:  Matt Mayer, Swansea University Rowing Team

William Dawe, President of Swansea University’s Rowing Club, said:

“Competition between the two clubs for the Welsh Varsity Boat Race Champions title is always intense, and this year won’t be any different, especially as Welsh Varsity is returning to Swansea and we’ll be racing on home water – the first time for any club members.

‌“Last year, Cardiff won three races, but the Swansea squads are bigger then ever and training hard in preparation for this year’s event."

"The Boat Race promises to provide both competitors and audiences alike with a day of close racing on Saturday, April 18."

“We hope as many people as possible will line the banks and bridges along the River Tawe and cheer on our rowers in what is the biggest student race of the year.”

‌Boat RaceThe Welsh Varsity Boat Race, supported by Welsh Rowing (the governing body for the sport of rowing in Wales), marks the start of the annual Welsh Varsity games.

The games are Wales’ biggest student sporting event and the second largest of the British varsity games, behind Oxford and Cambridge.

What Does Welsh Varsity Mean to You?   Watch our Varsity competitors get fired up in this short video

The majority of the Welsh Varsity games take place on Wednesday, April 22, at the exceptional facilities at the University’s International Sports Village on Sketty Lane, culminating with the Rugby Match at the Liberty Stadium.

Follow Swansea University’s Rowing Club on Twitter @SwanseaUniRC

Twitter @WelshBoatRace