The crews of Bristol University and the University of the West of England (UWE) rowing clubs will be competing on Bristol’s floating harbour tomorrow [Saturday 28 April], when they take part in the Bristol Universities Varsity Boat Race.
The race consists of a series of head-to-head races between the equivalent male and female squads at Bristol and UWE boat clubs. The club that wins the majority of these races is declared the overall winner of the race and awarded the Varsity trophy.
The event, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, is similar to the well-known Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity Boat Race, except the Bristol race is shorter in distance and more intense. The course is 1.25 km and will take around four minutes to row out.
The competition will begin at 11 am and will take place just past the S.S. Great Britain, finishing at Canon's Wharf Amphitheatre.
The Varsity Boat Race first began in 1995 and is held annually in the floating docks of Bristol town centre. Last year approximately 1,500 spectators lined the banks of the harbour up to the finish line.
As well as food and drinks (including soft drinks), all spectators at the finish line will be entertained with live music and commentary on the day’s races.
The Bristol Universities Varsity Boat Race results are as follows:
Final result - Bristol: 4, UWE: 1
Men's Novice 8s - Bristol win
Men's Alumni 8s - Bristol win
Women's Novice 8s - Bristol win
Men's Senior 8s - Bristol win
Women's Senior 8s - UWE win