The fierce rivalry between Edinburgh University and Glasgow University is joined once again this afternoon as the River Clyde plays host to the Scottish Boat Race Festival. And the finish line at the Riverside Museum is the place to be from 10am onwards with free entry to a rowing party celebrating the occasion!
Tramway versus Subway, High Culture versus Clubbing, the ancient rivalry between East versus West, Edinburgh versus Glasgow is set to return once again to the Clyde for the most anticipated return of the Scottish Boat Race 2017.
The Clyde is set to host this epic battle for the 140th year with the finish at Riverside Museum. The Scottish Boat Race is known as the third oldest boat race in the world only outdate by the Yale-Harvard Regatta and Oxford v Cambridge and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
The Alumni race starts the action at 3pm with the beginners, first and second teams following. Each race will begin at the Squinty Bridge and finish at the Tall Ship where spectators can view the action from the iconic Riverside Museum at Glasgow Harbour.
Defending champions in the men’s race the University of Edinburgh triumphed over the University of Glasgow for the 2016 Scottish Boat Race trophy, while last year in the women’s race it was the University of Glasgow who took the spoils. This year the rivalry is set to heat up further as both crews set to battle it out on the water at 4.30pm and 4.45pm respectively.
The Scottish Boat Race Festival starts at 10am with the races from 3pm to 5pm (full race order below) and entertainment continuing until 10pm. The Riverside Museum is the place to be not only to catch the rowing action but also to enjoy a range of free family friendly activities including a variety of food trucks, sporting activities with ParkLives, bar areas, live music and appearances from local sporting clubs including Scottish Hockey.
“The Scottish boat race is a real hidden gem in Scotland’s sporting calendar and the crowds are getting bigger and bigger each year. It’s great to see so many new faces down at this year’s race to make it the best yet.” – Calum Irvine (University of Edinburgh Men’s Team
2016).
There’s no question both teams are ready to give their all on the water. Rosanna Loy for Glasgow University commenting: “There’s nothing like the side-by-side racing in the boat race. Last year we took Edinburgh by surprise and beat them across the line, this year we intend to do exactly the same and show the home crowd what we’re made of.” Meanwhile for Edinburgh University Helena Brecht has laid down the gauntlet as follows: “Already excited for this years boat race, seeing as it is to be even bigger and better than last year. My prediction is that the Baby Blues will dominate and win every race to take home the overall victor’s trophy.”
Now all that’s left is for the crews to take to the River Clyde and for the action to unfold. Don’t miss it!
Spectating is free at the Squinty Bridge start line and the finish area at Riverside Museum.
The full race order is as follows:-
3pm: Men’s Alumni VIII
3.15pm: Women’s Alumni VIII
3.30pm: Men’s Beginner VIII
3.45pm: Women’s Beginner VIII
4pm: Men’s 2nd VIII
4.15pm: Women’s 2nd VIII
4.30pm: Men’s 1st VIII
4.45pm: Women’s 1st VIII
5pm: Ergo Race