Boat Archives - Page 2 of 3

“Rowing on the Dee”: City Students Recreate Adele Classic

Mar 112016

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Wednesday 24th February 2016, Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen Universities Boat Race.

Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen will face off on the water at 4.00pm on Saturday, March 12.

Aberdeen Students have produced a parody of Adele’s No.1 hit ‘Rolling in the Deep’ in the run up to one of the city’s top sporting events.

Rowers from Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University have created thevideo ‘Rowing on the Dee’ to encourage spectators to the riverside to watch the 21st annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race this Saturday, 12 March 2016.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to line the River Dee as eighteen students take to the water at 4.00pm to go head to head over a gruelling 3.5km course.

As the students row from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, their focus will be on one thing only: crossing the finish line first and receiving the glory of lifting the coveted trophy.

But the title race, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, is not the only attraction on Saturday for those wishing to come down and support the universities as they battle it out on the water – there is plenty of action to entertain sports fans of all ages.

Following the toss for stations at 1.50pm, during which the crews will decide which side of the river they will row on, the alumni crews will race at 2.35pm. This will be followed by the boat club novices, who will race in the Universities’ Second Crew Race at 2.55pm.

The media challenge – which will see reigning champions Original 106fm take on challengers Evening Express, STV and BBC – in a short-course doubles race takes place at 3.40pm. The title race then takes place at 4.00pm, followed by the presentation of trophies at 4.30pm.

University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University Rowers’ video – ‘Rowing on the Dee’

Spectators are free to stand along the length of the course to cheer on the crews, however the best viewing locations are considered the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, the Wellington Suspension Bridge and the finish line at the Aberdeen Boat Club.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The students taking part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race are a credit to their universities. We firmly believe that extra-curricular activities – alongside dedication in the lecture hall – is an important part of the university experience, and helps produce well-rounded, employable young adults. Aberdeen Asset Management is proud to once again sponsor the Universities’ Boat Race, and we look forward to a thrilling day on the river.”

For students wishing to attend the boat race, a number of free shuttle buses have been arranged.

The University of Aberdeen spectators bus will pick up from Hillhead Turning Circle (12.15pm), Aberdeen Sports Village (12.30pm) and the Tilted Wig, Union Street (12.45pm). The Robert Gordon University spectators bus will depart from Holburn Street at Union Grove (12.30pm), The Caledonian Hotel on Union Terrace (12.45pm), RGU Schoolhill (12.45pm) and Marischal College (1.00pm). Return buses depart at 5.00pm and 6.00pm.

For more information about the Follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace , Twitter @2016BoatRace and Instagram @aamboatrace

Final Crews Announced For Universities’ Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 032016

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Reigning champions Robert Gordon University will go head to head with the University of Aberdeen on March 12 in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The final crews for the 21st Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race were announced on Tuesday.

The 18 students, who will compete for the title come from across the globe – from Perth in Australia to Detmold in Germany. Their intense training and dedication have won each of them a place in their university’s boats for Scotland’s longest running boat race.

The annual event takes place on Saturday March 12 2016 and sees Aberdeen’s two universities, Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen, battle it out in a demanding 3.5km race as they both attempt to be crowned champions of the River Dee.

The boat crews were hand-picked by Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) president Ian Walker, and Robert Gordon University Boat Club (RGUBC) president Erin Wyness after a long and difficult selection process. Each crew member was selected for their determination, technique and speed on the water, with both presidents hoping that they have picked the winning team.

The University of Aberdeen crew members are:

Ian Walker (21) from Edinburgh, Henry Pettinger-Harte (20) from Chester, Laurence Jennings (18) from Aberdeen, Marvin Mücke (21) from Detmold in Germany, Fiona Bell (20) from Glasgow, Isla Ferguson (19) from Edinburgh, Jose van Paassen (26) from Schipluiden in the Netherlands, and Lianne Stevenson (22) from Kirkwall. The cox is Alex Ralston (19) from Perth in Australia.

The Robert Gordon University crew comprises:

Ruth Wright (25) from Turriff, Lewis McCue (21) from Braemar, Anna Kidd (19) from Forfar, Holly Reid (22), Erin Wyness (19), Gary Wilson (24), Gregor Pittendreigh (18) and Josh Quinn (22) all from Aberdeen. The cox is Kathryn Duthie (20) from Dunfermline.

Last year, after a fiercely competitive race along the River Dee, the Robert Gordon University boat crew was crowned race champions with a time of eight minutes and 30 seconds. The rivalry between both teams is set to be at an all-time high at this year’s boat race, as the University of Aberdeen attempt to knock their opponents off the top spot on March 12.

With the boat race now in its 21st year, the annual event has become one of the highlights of Aberdeen’s sporting calendar thanks to the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“We’re once again thrilled to be supporting the Universities’ Boat Race and the city’s top rowing talent. Both crews have continued to train very hard throughout a difficult winter; by doing so they have all shown sheer determination, enthusiasm and commitment towards rowing. Aberdeen Asset Management is dedicated to supporting young talent, and it’s always rewarding to see the achievements both teams have made.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of Aberdeen adds:

“The friendly rivalry between both universities reaches its peak during the boat race. Our students always turn out in force to support the University of Aberdeen team, which I know means a lot to the boat crew and helps to give them a big boost on the day of the race. Both clubs always perform exceptionally well, but I’m hopeful that this will be our year.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU said:

“The drive and determination from the boat crews is always wonderful to watch. Both teams have worked very hard in preparation for the race, and I have no doubt that it will be an extremely close competition on the day. The boat race manages to create a real buzz amongst our students, who are all eager to get involved and cheer on their team by the riverside. We’re all very proud of RGUBC and what they’ve managed to achieve over the years.”

Following the toss for stations at 1.50pm, a number of races will take place in the run up to the title event. The Alumni Crews take to the water at 2.35pm while the Universities’ Second Crew Race takes place at 2.55pm. The Media Challenge – will see the Evening Express, STV, and the BBC take on last year’s champions, Original 106fm – takes place at 3.40pm before the main Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race at 4pm.

Follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter @2016BoatRace, Facebook www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and Instagram @AAMBoatRace.

Triple Gold Medalist Hoping For Boat Race Success

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Lewis McCue (far left) at the Under 23 World Championships in Bulgaria last year

A Braemar student making waves in rowing hopes to be selected to represent his university in one of the north east’s hardest-fought sporting events. Robert Gordon University student Lewis McCue, an Under 23 Team GB member, hopes to make the cut for the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, which takes place on March 12.

Taking up the sport at the age of 12, Lewis rose through the ranks of the Aberdeen Schools’ Rowing Association and has since continued his success while at university.

He first represented Great Britain at a national level at the age of 16, and has gone on to compete in the Junior and Under 23 World Rowing Championships.

Applied sports and exercise student Lewis (20) says,

“Like everyone, my rowing career has had its highs and lows but, through years of hard training, I have built up my performance and ability. I have been very lucky to travel all across Europe to train and compete on the world stage, and had the pleasure of winning three gold medals for my home nation – Scotland – at the Commonwealth Games Regatta.

“My rowing highlight so far is winning a silver medal in the coxless fours at the Under 23 World Championships in Bulgaria last year. I was the only rower in Scotland to be awarded a medal at that level, and the experience really made all the training worthwhile.

“There is no other feeling quite like standing on the podium knowing that you are second fastest in the world at your chosen sport.”

It’s no surprise that Lewis excels in rowing: prowess in the sport runs in the family. In 1958, his grandfather rowed for Oxford in the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and, although not on the winning side, his passion for rowing is something that rubbed off on Lewis from an early age.

Lewis says,

“I’ve spoken to my grandfather many times about his experiences in rowing, and I’m very proud of what he achieved. When I was 16 we were able to row together, which is something I’ll always remember.

“He and my grandmother came out to watch me in Bulgaria last year, which was the first time they had seen me row for Great Britain. It was quite emotional.”

A veteran of the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Lewis hopes to make his third appearance – and win – at the hard-fought race.

He says,

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is different to other races. At 3.5km, it’s longer than most others and rowing in a mixed crew really changes the dynamic.

“I’ve won the boat race twice before, and I hope to be there again on the start line, ready to lay everything on the line in order to finish first.”

Lewis is one of many rowers hoping to be selected to represent Robert Gordon University at the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on March 12. The race will see the university pitted against rivals the University of Aberdeen on a gruelling 3.5km stretch of the River Dee.

The final crews will be selected by each club’s president – Erin Wyness of reigning champions Robert Gordon University Boat Club (RGUBC), and Ian Walker of Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) – who will take performance, ability and determination into account.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments,

“Every year I am impressed by the skill and tenacity of the rowers competing in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. The boat club presidents have a difficult task ahead of them selecting their crews, but whatever the choice I know that the race will be an exciting day for both the rowers in the boats and spectators on the riverbank.”

Last year, RGUBC won their fourth consecutive title race by one and three-quarter lengths in a time of eight minutes and 30 seconds. With AUBC eager to reclaim the title, spectators from across the city are expected to line the river to cheer on the crews as they push themselves to the limit to cross the finishing line.

Follow the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter @2016boatrace, Instagram @AAMboatrace and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace

Universities’ Boat Race: Sat 12th March 2016

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Feb 252016

With thanks to Gemma Setter, Account Executive, Tricker PR.

ABERDEEN UNIVERSITIES BOAT RACE PREVIEW FOR 2016

Erin Wyness (RGU) and Ian Walker (University of Aberdeen) lead their crews in the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The 21st Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will see the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University competing against one another in a 3.5km race along the River Dee, determining who takes home the much sought-after trophy.
The day begins at 1.50pm with the toss for stations, followed by the universities’ 2nd crew race at 2.10pm, alumni race at 2.35pm and media challenge race at 3.40pm.

The title event begins at 4.00pm.

Last year saw the Robert Gordon University crew row to victory as they claimed their fourth consecutive title race win. Is this the year that the University of Aberdeen manage to knock their competitors off the top spot? Or will the Robert Gordon University remain undefeated for the fifth year in a row? Whatever the outcome, the 2016 event is bound to be a thrilling watch.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the teams at all the events on the day.

To follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter go to www.twitter.com/2016BoatRace and become a fan of the race on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

21st Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race

Saturday 12th March 2016
From the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club
Races from 2.10 PM.
Title race begins at 4.00PM

Challenge Laid Down For Universities’ Boat Race 2016

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 312015

Erin Wyness (RGU) and Ian Walker (University of Aberdeen) will lead their crews in the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

Two Aberdeen universities are set to go head to head in a battle of steely determination on the waters of the River Dee.

Student rowers will face off in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race – thought to be the city’s hardest-fought sporting competition – on Saturday, March 12 at 4.00pm.

The University of Aberdeen has challenged reigning champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) to a rematch on the River Dee in the hopes they can break RGU’s four year winning streak.

In 2015, RGU won with a time of eight minutes and 30 seconds, beating fierce rivals the University of Aberdeen by one and three-quarter lengths.

Now in its 21st year, the event also includes second crew, alumni and media team races – attracting students, alumni and members of the public down onto the banks of the Dee to cheer on the crews.

Aberdeen University Boat Club president Ian Walker (21) is confident that his crew will be able to live up to their challenge and reclaim the river in March. Medical student Ian, who hails from Edinburgh, says,

“RGU has dominated the river for the last four years, but we are determined to change that. We are already training hard and are confident that 2016 will be the year the trophy will return to the University of Aberdeen boat house.”

Erin Wyness (19), president of RGU Boat Club, is equally determined to bring home the silverware. The Events Management student from Aberdeen says,

“RGU’s rowers this season are on top form, and I really believe that we can extend our winning streak to five years.”

The annual boat race stretches from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, covering 3.5km of water. Each team of eight, and their accompanying coxes, will undergo a gruelling training regime in order to fully prepare for the challenge ahead.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU, says:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is not just a highlight of the academic year, but also of the city’s sporting calendar. The healthy rivalry between RGU and the University of Aberdeen ensures that each crew strives to perform to the best of their abilities. I, for one, cannot wait to be at the riverside to watch the crews battle it out on the water.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, says:

“The passion and determination of both universities’ crews is fantastic. Each year they push themselves to the limit in what is always a close competition which is thrilling to watch from the riverbank. I hope that students, families and the general public will turn out in force to support what is surely Aberdeen’s most exciting annual sporting event.”

Scotland’s longest running boat race continues into its 21st year through the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race allows the city’s top rowing talent the chance to put into practice the skills they have worked hard to hone over the past year. The rivalry between universities extends beyond the crews on the water and into the spectators on the shore, who are always vocal in their support of the two teams. Aberdeen is delighted to once again back the Universities’ Boat Race in 2016.”

Follow the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter @2016boatrace, Instagram @AAMboatrace and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace

The Saga Of Cove Harbour Continues

Aberdeenshire, Environment 21 Responses »

Sep 252015

By Jim Adam, Cove Fishermen’s Association.

On 25th April 2014, the fishermen of Cove were issued with an ultimatum by Mr Pahled Kolhe via his solicitors, McKinnons, to remove their vessels and all associated equipment from the harbour within 14 days.

Otherwise, as then stated, Mr Kolhe “may then be forced to take legal steps for its removal.”

Needless to say no boats or equipment were removed from the harbour in the intervening period, neither did any court proceedings commence.

In the interim Mr Kolhe changed his solicitors from McKinnons to Stronachs and subsequently contracted two separate site surveys of the harbour area to be carried out, firstly by DM Hall ( their report was never completed) and subsequently by CKD Galbraith. The report from the latter indicated the majority of vessels and equipment supposedly within Kolhe’s property.

On the 26th August 2015, a second ultimatum was issued via Kolhe’s solicitors, Stronachs, stating that the fishermen:

“have no rights or title to store fishing vessels or equipment” on their clients property and

“if these fishing vessels, equipment and winch huts are not removed within 14 days of this date (26th August, 2015) our client will commence court proceedings against your clients to enable him to obtain vacant possession of his land”

In addition to this demand, Kolhe insists in the same letter that there shall be no parking of vehicles in the harbour area otherwise he:

“will have no alternative but to raise proceedings to prevent this.”

To support this view, Kolhe has had a metal sign erected at the entrance to the harbour area, with the wording – “Cove Harbour Private Property”.

Generations of fishermen have worked out of Cove harbour for the best part of 4 hundred years. The harbour was a natural inlet which provided a safe haven for the men to beach their vessels and to land catches as well as provide areas to store, dry and maintain their fishing gear. These activities have been pursued continuously, without hinder, ‘til present,

Within the last 150 years, the harbour has undergone upgrade in the form of two piers being constructed as well as a metalled access road, the latter being funded via donations from the local community and by Kincardineshire council.

The harbour has always been a great attraction for visitors, either simply to take in the fantastic scenery or to pursue recreational activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, photography, rock climbing, fishing, rock pooling, boating, picnics, swimming, to name but a few.

It is therefore somewhat concerning to think that there is an individual attempting to gain “vacant possession” of the majority of the land and shingle beach at the harbour and who seems hell-bent on preventing people from accessing the harbour by car or other vehicle either to carry out their business or simply for recreational purposes.

Who knows what the final outcome will be – but for the time being no boats or equipment are being removed and fishermen will continue to go about their business as usual.

Note: the majority of the boats at the harbour are registered and licenced fishing vessels and people do actually derive a living from their fishing activities, which is now under threat.

To demonstrate your support for the fishermen and for your rights to continue to use Cove harbour, you can post your views and sign the petition on Facebook page ‘Save the fishing boats of Cove harbour‘.

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MP Hails Successful Year For Portsoy Boat Festival

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jul 102015

Eilidh Whiteford, Marc Ellington, Portsoy Boat Festival 2015sq

Eilidh Whiteford being interviewed by commentator Marc Ellington.

With thanks to Paul Robertson.

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford has hailed another successful year for the Portsoy Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

The Festival, now in its 22nd year, took place over the weekend of 4th and 5th July.

Visiting the Festival on Sunday with her husband, Eilidh was also joined by SNP Westminster Leader and MP for Moray, Angus Robertson.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“My congratulations to Roger Goodyear and the countless other organisers who have successfully delivered another stunning year for the Boat Festival.

“The rain on Saturday and fog on Sunday did not seem to deter thousands of visitors from the North-east and beyond, who came to sample great regional produce, learn about our heritage and of course see the fantastic skiffs.

“The Boat Festival at Portsoy is now one of the best established events in Scotland’s tourist calendar and I have no doubt that it will continue to build on its strengths in the years ahead.”

Stewart Stevenson, MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, who also attended the festival added:

“Once again, the festival surpassed expectations and put on show the very best that the North-east has to offer. The buzz around this year’s festival was one of the best in several years and will no doubt keep the visitors coming back again and again.”

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Rowing Club President Targets Four in Row

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 202015

With thanks to Cate Gordon, Tricker PR.

Emily Geddes (20) from Aberdeen, President of Robert Gordon University Rowing Club has been encouraging her team to train harder than ever to ensure victory in the fiercely contested race between Robert Gordon University and University of Aberdeen in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

This year’s race takes place on Saturday 21st March along the River Dee and is set to be a very closely fought race.

As President of the rowing club, Emily has been tasked with selecting members of the club to form the crew which will give Robert Gordon University the best chance of crossing the finishing line in the fastest time.

Last year’s race was won by Robert Gordon University in a time of seven minutes and forty seven seconds.

Emily, an applied sports and exercise student is a very experienced rower, practicing the sport since the age of 13 and has won double gold medals at the British Championships at J18 category. She is hoping her passion and aptitude for rowing will be translated into a fourth win in a row for Robert Gordon University at the event.

Emily is determined to win this year’s boat race,

“Both universities crossed the finish line in record breaking times last year, which made the win even more special for our university team. Every member of our 2015 team has been working incredibly hard to ensure that we are fully prepared for this race. Bring on race day!”

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management comments:

“the hard work and dedication put in by all rowers involved in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is consistently impressive. Now in its 20th year, the event proves to be as exhilarating to partake in as it is to spectate.”

Follow the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race at www.facebook.com/AAM BoatRace and at http://twitter.com/2015Boat Race

Aberdeen Asset Management Back Traditional Boat Festival

Aberdeenshire, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Feb 272015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen Asset Management (Aberdeen) has stepped back on board as sponsors of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival which takes place in Portsoy annually and is worth in excess of £1 million to the local economy.

Last year’s event festival attracted more than 18,000 people, with a significant growth in the number of visitors attending from outwith the region and just under 12% of visitors attending from overseas.

Aberdeen Asset Management’s four year sponsorship deal of the festival came to an end in 2014, but with the flagship event finding it difficult to find a successor, Aberdeen have thrown organisers a lifeline and agreed to back this year’s event, and to provide further funding in 2016.

Festival chairman Roger Goodyear has welcomed Aberdeen Asset Management’s intervention, saying it protects the continuation of the popular event in the short term, while buying more time for organisers to secure an alternative main sponsor for future years.

Roger says:

“We are delighted that Aberdeen Asset Management has generously agreed to back us with this extra support. It comes at a time when we are involved in a number of additional projects that are taking up a considerable amount of time and attention but will bring significant community benefit, including the creation of a boatshed, the building of a traditional salmon coble and, in association with the North East Preservation Trust, the restoration of a listed building to create a bunkhouse.

“Aberdeen has been a generous supporter of the festival since 2011 and that has meant that it is an extremely hard act to follow, but we are pleased to have this safety net in place as we seek other sponsors for future festivals.”

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management and a keen sailor, says of the sponsorship award:

“The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival is a key highlight of the tourism calendar and, as well as being the largest gathering of traditional boats in Scotland it has an excellent range of on shore activities for all ages.

“When we became aware that the festival was finding it a challenge to secure a main sponsor, we wanted to show support that will help safeguard this vibrant community-run event which attracts a high level of tourists to the area every summer, as it continues to seek a long term sponsorship supporter.”

Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond, a frequent visitor to the festival in Portsoy on the Banffshire Coast also welcomed the sponsorship announcement.

“The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival is one of the most popular events in Scotland’s tourism calendar and I am absolutely delighted that Aberdeen Asset Management are back on-board for another two years.

“Portsoy welcomes thousands of visitors during the festival each year and during the Year of Food and Drink 2015 there are even more opportunities to promote and celebrate our award-wining local producers.”

The 22nd annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival takes place on 4 and 5 July 2015 and promotes maritime links and heritage, as well as maritime crafts, food, music, traditions and local sports.

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Competition Hots Up For Universities’ Boat Race 2015

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 082015

RGU Boat Club president Emily Geddes and her Aberdeen University Boat Club counterpart, Tom Coles.

With thanks to Beverly Tricker, Tricker PR.

The 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race looks set to be the most hotly contested yet.

Top student rowers will be going oar to oar in all-out battle to win the coveted rowing race, which takes place on the River Dee on Saturday, 21st March at 2.20pm.

Reigning river champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) have thrown down the gauntlet to Aberdeen University to try and beat RGU’s record-breaking win of last year.

RGU won in seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating Aberdeen University by two lengths. Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original race record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds – so there’s everything to row for in the 2015 event.

Now in its 20th year, the event also includes alumni, second crew and media team races and with all this action on the water it will be a real spectator attraction, and the public are urged to come along and cheer on the teams.

RGU Boat Club president Emily Geddes (20) hails from Aberdeen and has been rowing since the age of 13, winning double gold medals at the British Rowing Junior Championships.

Applied Sports and Exercise Science student Emily believes that RGU could be on course for its fourth win in a row. She says:

“Last year we made it a hat trick and we are going all out to make it four in a row. We won’t be taking anything for granted and are working hard to hold onto the title.”

Her Aberdeen University Boat Club counterpart, Tom Coles (21) is from Callander and aside from his computer sciences studies, rowing and the presidency of the University’s boat club takes up most of his free time.

Tom says:

“We may not have won last year, but we came very close and we also succeeded in breaking the previous boat race record. We are confident that we will see the title return to Aberdeen University in 2015. We’re full of fighting spirit and will be going all-out to achieve victory.”

The race takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen, between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club. In preparation of the 2015 event, both crews are undergoing gruelling training, including early morning starts on the river.

Each of the 18 rowers and accompanying coxes will take just under 300 strokes to compete the race, pushing their physical and mental endurance to the hilt.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Aberdeen University says:

“This is a fantastic event for both universities and the city as a whole and is always contested in great spirit. The fact that both teams broke the course record last year shows how the standard of our student athletes continues to rise and I’m sure this year’s race will be another exciting spectacle.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU adds:

“The rivalry of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race is nothing compared with the competitive determination of our crews, not to mention the passion of our supporters, and we hope that students, families and the general public will turn out in large numbers to support this great sporting occasion.”

Scotland’s oldest boat race continues into 20th year though the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race showcases the city’s finest student rowing talent and the spirit of competition between to the two sides certainly adds to the occasion. Aberdeen is delighted to back the Universities’ Boat Race as it enters its 20th year.”

Follow the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race at www.facebook.com/AAM BoatRace and at http://twitter.com/2015Boat Race.

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