Dee Archives - Aberdeen Voice

University Of Aberdeen Triumphs At 22nd Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 102017

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

The University of Aberdeen rowed to victory on Saturday (March 4) at the 22nd annual Aberdeen Boat Race, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management.
Breaking rival Robert Gordon University’s five-year winning streak, the University of Aberdeen triumphed in a time of 7 minutes 03.8 seconds, winning by 4 lengths.

The Robert Gordon University crew followed close behind, with a time of 7 minutes 16.3 seconds.

The University of Aberdeen also celebrated success in the alumni and second crew races – marking the first ever clean sweep in the event’s history.

Hundreds of spectators braved the weather to line the banks of the city’s River Dee to cheer on the teams as the old opponents battled it out on the river. Due to water levels, the 3.5km course was shortened by 300m.

Fiona Bell (21), president of Aberdeen University Boat Club, said,

“It feels amazing to have brought the Aberdeen Boat Race trophy back to the University of Aberdeen. I think we’re all still in shock a little; we set out to break RGU’s five-year hold over the title and we did it! I’m incredibly proud of my team and their performance today. We’ve been training hard in daylight and darkness, so it’s brilliant that all our hard work has paid off.

“Erin and the RGU crew were formidable opponents, and made things very difficult for us out on the water. It was a fantastic race to row in, and I hope those watching from the banks enjoyed it too. I’d also like to thank Aberdeen Asset Management for their continued support – without their backing the Aberdeen Boat Race couldn’t happen.”

Erin Wyness (20), president of Aberdeen University Boat Club, added,

“Congratulations to all of the University of Aberdeen crew on their win today. It was a hard race with both crews on form beforehand, so it would have been hard to call before we set off. Even though we didn’t win this year, I’m still very proud of all the effort the crew has put in over the last few months, and it doesn’t take away from our five-year streak. We’ll be back next year!

“The whole day has been brilliant both for the rowers and spectators on the shore – from the alumni and second crew races right up until the title race – and I’d like to thank Aberdeen Asset Management for their amazing continued support of this historic event.”

The alumni boat race was won by the University of Aberdeen in a time of 8 minutes 02.5 seconds. The universities’ second crew boat race was also won by the University of Aberdeen in a time of 2 minutes 36.6 seconds. Original 106fm clinched the media challenge title in a time of 1 minute 30.1 seconds over a 300m course.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management, commented,

“On behalf of all at Aberdeen Asset Management, I would like to congratulate the winning crew from the University of Aberdeen. I would also like to recognise the effort of the Robert Gordon University Boat Club rowers, who put in a sterling effort on the water. Both teams should be rightfully proud of their achievements today.

“The university experience is about more than classroom learning, and the boat clubs are a real testament to that. Being founded in Aberdeen, we are very proud to continue to support the Aberdeen Boat Race in what is our 17th year.”

Follow the Aberdeen Boat Race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aamboatrace, on Twitter @2017boatrace or Instagram @aamboatrace

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Crews Unveiled For 22nd Aberdeen Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Mar 022017

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

After months of secrecy and planning, the final crews are announced on Tuesday, 21 February for the 22nd annual Aberdeen Boat Race. The 18 successful students have travelled from around the world to study at the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University – from A Coruña in Spain to Perth in Australia.

They will come together this Saturday, March 4, for the challenging 3.5km race along the River Dee, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management.

Fiona Bell, president of Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC), and Robert Gordon University Boat Club (RGU) president Erin Wyness have handpicked their teams after monitoring the rowers’ technical skill and performance under pressure over the past few months.

Rowing for the University of Aberdeen are:

Alex Zabala (18) from A Coruña, Spain; Fiona Bell (21) from Kilmacolm; Lachlan Cowie (21) from North Kessock; Henry Pettinger-Harte (21) from Chester; Alex Afaquah (20) from Glasgow; Rosie Kelly (21) from Belfast; Anna-Sophie Tierre (19) from Aukrug, Germany; and Isla Ferguson (19) from Edinburgh. The cox is Alex Ralston (20) from Perth, Australia.

Representing Robert Gordon University are:

Erin Wyness (20), Holly Reid (23), Andrew Main (20), Gregor Pittendreigh (20) and Josh Quinn (23) from Aberdeen; Michael Brady (21) from Livingston; Ruth Wright (26) from Turriff; and Katherine Lawrie (19) from Stonehaven. The cox is Kathryn Duthie (21) from Dunfermline.

Last year’s race was the most exciting yet, with both crews breaking the course record. Jostling for first position along the length of the course, RGUBC just clinched the title for the fifth consecutive year by only a quarter of a length. After coming so close, AUBC is determined to make 2017 the year they bring the trophy back to their boat house.

As the Aberdeen Boat Race enters its 22nd year, it is once again supported by global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“Since its inception, the Aberdeen Boat Race has become a real highlight in the city’s sporting calendar. Over the past few months, the crews have faced dark, early mornings and intense training sessions in rain and shine to prepare for the race ahead of them, and the time is almost here to put that training into practice.

“Aberdeen Asset Management remains dedicated to nurturing young talent, and we look forward to celebrating both crews’ achievements on March 4, regardless of who lifts the trophy.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU, says:

“Every year the crews from both universities show great skill and determination on the water and this year will be no different. The atmosphere at the finish line is electric and it is always fantastic to see Robert Gordon University students lining the riverbanks alongside the general public. I’m looking forward to another exciting race in March.”

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

“Last year’s race was incredibly close, and I know that AUBC has been out on the water training hard this year. The effort that both crews put into the preparations for the Aberdeen Boat Race is commendable, and I’m sure will lead to another exciting race along the River Dee.”

Following the toss for stations at 3.20pm, a number of races will take place in the run up to the title event. The Universities’ Second Crew Race takes place at 4.05pm, while the Alumni Crews take to the water at 4.25pm. The Media Challenge – which will see the Evening Express and Original 106fm take on reigning champions BBC, takes place at 5.15pm before the main Aberdeen Boat Race at 5.30pm.

Follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter @2017BoatRace, Facebook www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and Instagram @AAMBoatRace.

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Perth Student Eyes Up Coveted Rowing Title

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 242017

Alex Ralston

With thanks to Leanne Carter, Account Manager, Tricker PR.

A Perth student with an ambition to join the Royal Air Force has his sights firmly set not on the skies but on the water. Alex Ralston (20) hopes to be selected to represent the University of Aberdeen in the 22nd annual Aberdeen Boat Race this March.
If chosen, cox Alex and his fellow rowers in the mixed eight crew will face off against reigning champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) in the 3.5km race along the River Dee, which is sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management.

For Alex, who studies Geology and Petroleum Geology at the University of Aberdeen, there’s a clear parallel between the RAF and life in the rowing club.

He explains,

“Flying a plane is one of the best feelings in the world. My grandfather was in the air force, so it’s been a lifelong ambition of mine to become a pilot.

“But there are similarities between being out on the water and up in the air. There’s a real emphasis on teamwork in both disciplines, and a chain of command to follow. As cox, it’s my job to instruct the crew and I like that feeling of being in charge. I’ve always had an authoritative streak.

“The crew trains together up to 12 times a week, so we really put the hours in. Plus, we’re always socialising with each other. There’s a great sense of camaraderie within the boat club.”

Alex, who started studying at the University of Aberdeen in 2014, originally hails from Perth in Western Australia but his family relocated to their home’s Scottish namesake when he was eight years old.

Before attending university, Alex had never lifted an oar – despite being a fan of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race on television. Alex said:

“I used to really be into running, but I joined the rowing club because I wanted to get bigger. I’ve always been quite small… but I never really bulked up!

“I was lined up as a cox in my first year, but was told it would be better to learn how to row first as it would give me a greater knowledge of what I was asking my crew to do. But my body isn’t naturally suited to rowing – I’m too small – so in 2015 I was given the opportunity to cox the Aberdeen Boat Race second crew race.

“I try to do the same training as the rest of the crew, apart from weights. I’m on a kind of weight-loss fitness regime to make myself more efficient. It feels a bit like torture, but it definitely does help. Not only do I enjoy the fitness aspect, but the rest of the crew know I’m going through the same things as they are. It helps me get more out of them when we’re out on the water.”

Alex’s university career took off from there and – despite being in the losing side – it was his chance to cox the main University of Aberdeen crew in the Aberdeen Boat Race last year that sticks out as his most memorable race to date. The 2016 event was the annual contest’s closest race in its 21 year history, with Robert Gordon University clinching the title for the fifth year in a row by just a quarter of a length – even though both teams smashed the course record.

He said:

“We were all really gutted last year. The RGU crew looked incredibly strong, but we went out on the water with a defiant attitude and we almost had it. It was a really close race all the way down the river, and the adrenaline was pumping, but in the end we didn’t quite make it. We’re fully confident this year, though.

“I think this year will probably be my last Aberdeen Boat Race, as I focus more on my goal of joining the RAF, so I’m determined to cross the finish line first.”

The Aberdeen Boat Race is made possible by the continued support of title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management. Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, commented:

“The passion with which the students from the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University throw themselves into their training is inspiring to all those who attend the Aberdeen Boat Race. The crews face a tough challenge this year, and will give their all in a race which I know will be thrilling for all those on the banks of the River Dee in March.”

Follow the 2017 Aberdeen Boat Race on Twitter @2017boatrace, Instagram @AAMboatrace and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace

Aberdeen Boat Race Returns With A Splash In 2017

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Dec 292016

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

Erin Wyness (RGUBC) and Fiona Bell (AUBC) hope to lead their teams to victory in the 2017 Aberdeen Boat Race.

Old rivalries will be reignited this March as Aberdeen’s two universities take to the River Dee in a fierce battle of nerves and determination.

The Aberdeen Boat Race – Scotland’s longest running boat race – returns for its 22nd year on Saturday, 4 March 2017 at 5.30pm thanks to the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

The University of Aberdeen has challenged five-time reigning champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) to a rematch following 2016’s exhilarating race in which both crews smashed the course record.

Following a close race in which the mixed crews gave it their all over the 3.5km course, RGU emerged triumphant by just a quarter of a length in an impressive seven minutes and 38.6 seconds.

Ahead of the main race, the day’s programme will also include second crew, alumni and media team races. Students, alumni and members of the public are invited down onto the banks of the Dee to cheer on the crews.

Erin Wyness (20), president of RGU Boat Club, believes that her crew has what it takes to bring home the trophy for the sixth year in a row. The Events Management student from Aberdeen says:

“Of all the races we compete in throughout the year, the Aberdeen Boat Race is by far the highlight for the clubs in Aberdeen. The University of Aberdeen squad is looking strong, but we’ve been training hard in order to lift the trophy again. Bring on March 4th.”

Aberdeen University Boat Club president Fiona Bell (21), however, is confident that this will be the year that the historic institution will break RGU’s winning streak. Sport and Exercise Science student Fiona, who hails from Kilmacolm near Glasgow, says:

“We’ve been out on the water in all weathers – in daylight and darkness – to make sure we’re ready to take on RGU and the crew is in good shape. After RGU winning for five years straight, defeat is not an option – it’s time for us to reclaim the title.”

The annual boat race – hailed as Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race – stretches from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, offering many great vantage points for spectators along the course. Each team of eight, and their coxes, have already begun an intensive training regime to reach peak physical fitness for the race.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, says:

“The dedication and hard work of the Aberdeen Boat Race crews is an inspiration to all of us. The rowers from both universities put everything they have into the race and it is a fantastic occasion. The result of last year’s race was incredibly close, and I am looking forward to another hard-fought contest in March.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, principal of RGU, adds: “Few sporting events are more closely contested in the north east than the Aberdeen Boat Race. The crews from both universities show incredible skill and dedication in their efforts, and I hope that students, families and the general public will line the banks of the river to enjoy what is undoubtedly Aberdeen’s hardest-fought sporting event.”

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, comments,

“What began as quite a modest event between two local universities has become one of the north east’s most popular sporting events. The rowers should be incredibly proud of their efforts, as every year the race becomes closer and harder-fought. We are delighted to continue our support of the Aberdeen Boat Race again in 2017, and we look forward to supporting the crews alongside the general public on the shores of the River Dee.”

For all the latest updates on the crews and their training, follow the Aberdeen Boat Race on Twitter @2017boatrace, Instagram @aamboatrace and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aamboatrace

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Round-The-World Cyclist Gears Up For Ballater Festival

Aberdeenshire, News No Responses »

Jun 302016

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Record breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont with David Pitt of Wildfox Events. Credit © EdSmith.

Record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont is gearing up to promote the benefits of cycling at the Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale and the Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival.

The long-distance cyclist, who is known for completing an 18,000 mile round-the-world cycling challenge and who has tested the 100 mile route of the Etape Royale on a Penny Farthing, is supporting the
Festival.

The Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival is the latest addition to an exciting summer of events for the Ballater area.

It takes places from 16 -18 September to complement the Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale – one of Scotland’s most scenic and challenging closed route cycle sportives, starting and finishing in Ballater which aims to promote the benefits of cycling to people of all ages.

The 100-mile circular route of the Quliter Cheviot Etape Royale takes participants on a traffic-free journey through historic Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire, Moray’s Whisky Country, and back along the banks of the picturesque River Dee, allowing cyclists to take in the breathtaking scenery present throughout the region. For those who don’t feel quite up to the full distance, there are also 45 and 65 mile routes available.

A series of family-friendly events and activities are on offer over the course of the weekend, such as a mountain bike skills circuit and a bike roadshow featuring weird, wonderful and wacky bikes from the past and the present. Those participating in Etape Royale are being encouraged to bring their families along to enjoy the festivities and the rest of what Ballater has to offer.

Many local businesses are getting involved by organising activities for the weekend of the Festival. Both Cycle Highlands and The Bike Station will be offering bike rental and providing mechanical support to cyclists. Whilst the cafes in Ballater are extending their opening hours and will also be transformed into European street-style cafes, enabling customers to enjoy their food and drinks outside.

David Wright of Aberdeenshire Council, says,

“The whole of Ballater is looking forward to welcoming cyclists and their families to this year’s Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale and the Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival.

“Mark Beaumont is such a well-known name in the world of cycling and we’re confident that he will do a brilliant job in encouraging more people to take an interest in cycling, either as a hobby or as an alternative method of transport.

“The entire weekend will be a celebration of all things cycling and there are plenty of activities for all the family to get involved in. For those who aren’t interested in bikes, there will be a farmer’s market on the Saturday, a climbing wall, and zorbing. A ceilidh has also been organised to welcome visitors to the area at the Victoria & Albert Halls on the evening of Saturday 17 September.

“The weekend will help to highlight the excellent selection of cycling routes available in Ballater and Royal Deeside. The entire area is a cyclist’s dream, as there are scenic roads and recreational routes, plus plenty of mountain ranges for the adrenaline seekers to enjoy.”

Richard Watts, owner of Cycle Highland and chairman of Ballater Business Association, says,

“The Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale and the Royal Deeside Cycling Festival combines cycling and family fun into one weekend. Family members of the participants will be able cheer them on as start and finish Etape Royale in Ballater. Whilst the cyclists are away, visitors to the Festival can enjoy the wide range of activities, food and music events on offer.

“It’s very inspiring to see local businesses getting behind the Festival by organising events which will enhance the overall experience for both visitors and residents of Ballater. This is the first year that the Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival is being held and the whole community is getting involved, so the atmosphere in the village over the weekend is certainly not to be missed.”

The Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival takes place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September in Ballater. Supported by EventScotland and official charity sponsor Marie Curie, the Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale gets underway on Sunday 18 September, the cycle sportive covers 100-miles and an ascent of 2,996m. For more information, visit: www.etaperoyale.com

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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

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.

Hat Trick for Robert Gordon University at Universities’ Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 032014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Robert Gordon University has won the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Boat Race for the third consecutive year.

They won with a record breaking time of seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating rivals Aberdeen University by two lengths.

Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds.

Encouraging cheers could be heard from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club as supporters lined the banks of the River Dee to watch the universities battle it out on the water.

Gillian Paterson, president of Robert Gordon University Boat Club, says,

“Yes we did it! We secured a hat trick for Robert Gordon University with three consecutive wins! I am so proud of everyone who rowed this year, there were a lot of cold early mornings and late nights but we got there. Thank you for the continued support of Aberdeen Asset Management, Bob Newton on the Boat Race committee, our coach and crew members for making our success possible. Lauren is a fantastic president and her crew were excellent challengers as always. The whole experience was so much fun and I am already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

The Alumni boat race was won by Robert Gordon University by two and a half lengths in a time of eight minutes and 15 seconds. The Universities’ second crew boat race was won by Aberdeen University with a time of two minutes and 18 seconds.

The media challenge cup was won by the Evening Depress in a time of one minute and 20 seconds, beating Original FM by three lengths. They raced 300m in coxed ‘tub’ pairs for the media challenge cup.

Hugh Little, Head of Acquisitions at Aberdeen Asset Management says,

“I would like to give our huge congratulations to the winning crew, Robert Gordon University. I would also like to express my admiration for each of the crew members who continue, year after year, to show dedication and determination in the lead up to, and on the day, of the race. As always, each crew put their heart and soul into the competition and both are truly worthy competitors. The atmosphere on the banks of the River Dee was electric with supporters uniting to cheer on their respective university. At Aberdeen Asset Management, we are proud to continue supporting Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.”

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter @2014BoatRace.

Annual Universities’ Boat Race – Saturday 1st March

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 272014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

(L-R) Gillian Paterson, RGU president, and Lauren Cammaert, AU president, head up their final crews

A superb day out for all the family, the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will take place this Saturday, 1st March 2014 with the title race taking place at 1.45pm on the River Dee.

With just days to go, the competing rowers are training furiously to prepare for the annual showdown, often referred to as the Scottish equivalent of the Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race.

The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with Robert Gordon University for the 19th time in a cut throat 3.5km race, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, to take home the coveted trophy.

The day begins at 11.35am with the toss for stations followed by the universities’ 2nd crew race at 12.20pm and alumni race at 12.40pm. Local media celebrities will take to the water at 1.25pm in the media challenge race before the main title race at 1.45pm.

The race is supported by Aberdeen Asset Management and spectators can show their support at a number of locations along the course on the banks of the River Dee. To cheer on the university crews, the best locations are considered The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or WellingtonSuspension Bridge.

For students seeking to support their peers, free transport has been organised by Aberdeen Asset Management for all rowing fans heading to the race. The courtesy buses will allow students to travel from each university campus to the River Dee, with a free return journey also available.

To find out more about the courtesy bus, or to keep up-to-date on the day with exclusive updates, follow the AberdeenAssetManagementUniversities’ Boat Race on Twitter www.twitter.com/2014BoatRace and Facebook www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Courtesy Bus Timetable
AU spectator bus timetable:
11:00: Spectator bus departs from Hillhead Turning Circle, Hillhead Halls, Aberdeen.
11.15: Spectator bus departs from Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Road, Aberdeen.
11.30: Spectator bus departs from the Tilted Wig, Union Street, Aberdeen City Centre.

RGU spectator bus timetable:
11.15: Departs Holburn Street at Union Grove, Aberdeen
11.30: Departs Union Terrace at Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Aberdeen
11.35: Departs RGU Schoolhill, Aberdeen
11.45: Departs Marischal College, Aberdeen

Return buses:
15:00: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club
15:45: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club

Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Race: Winner Takes All

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 182014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

The final crews for the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race were announced on Monday 10th February, following months of training from the eager students involved. To celebrate their selection, and test their united strength, the crews gathered on the banks of the River Dee to take part in a tug-of-war.

The annual boat race will take place on Saturday 1st March and will see Aberdeen’s two universities, Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen, go head to head to claim the title of boat race champion. Aberdeen [University] Boat Club president Lauren Cammaert and Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson carefully selected each crew member, each hopeful that their tactics will lead their university to victory.

The Robert Gordon crew comprises:

Richard Hills (26) from Nairn, Scott Purdie (27) from Dumfries, Adam Luczak (19) from Warsaw, Poland, Morven Shaw (19) from Newtonhill and Holly Reid (19), Iona Reilly (21), Lewis McCue (18), Christie Duff (19) and Emily Geddes (19) from Aberdeen.

Competing in the Aberdeen University team will be:

Lauren Cammaert (23) from Newfoundland, Canada, Ian Walker (19) from Edinburgh, Eilidh Manson (19) from Midlothian, Fiona Bell (18) from Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, Tom Coles (20) from Callander, and Elliot Bruce (18), Henry Gieseler (21), Catriona Bain (22), Jamie Steel (21) all from Aberdeen.

Andrew Laing, Deputy Chief Executive at Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“We are proud to continue to sponsor the annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. The boat race is a celebrated sporting event in Scotland and both crews have displayed tremendous dedication and passion for the 2014 event, with intense training taking place in all weathers.

“The crews show admirable stamina in their ability to juggle their studies, work and rowing responsibilities and I’m sure, on 1st March, these last few months of hard work will pay off. I wish the best of luck to both teams.”

Hoping to lead her team to claim the 15th boat race victory for the University of Aberdeen is president and cox Lauren Cammaert. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Lauren moved to Aberdeen in 1998 and is now studying Medicine. Lauren has been rowing for four years, initially starting as a rower and then moving on to become a cox, and has taken part in the boat race on two previous occasions.

This will be Lauren’s first year of competing as president for the University of Aberdeen and she believes she has created the perfect team to make it a winning year for the University of Aberdeen.

Competing against the University of Aberdeen is Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson, who is originally from Melrose.

Gillian moved to Aberdeen to study Forensic and Analytical Science at Robert Gordon University, and has been rowing for three years. This will be Gillian’s second boat race appearance, and her first time in the role of president.

Gillian is hoping to add to her crew’s two-year winning streak and has chosen her team carefully to ensure that they have the recipe for success.

Follow the 2014 Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or Twitter @2014BoatRace

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