Buffalo Regatta Kicks Off in South Africa

The third of the most important rowing events in South Africa – the Buffalo Regatta – gets off to a start today for the 115^th time in 121 years on the Buffalo River, East London, South Africa.

This National event – the only other regatta in the country to have earned this status except for the South African Championships, has been a major highlight on the South African rowing calendar ever since it began in 1881. This prestige has been granted thanks to the two magnificent trophies at stake – the Buffalo Grand Challenge (for Senior A Coxless Fours) and the Silver Sculls (for Senior A Single Sculls). These two trophies, which date back to the beginning of the existence of the regatta are made of pure silver and are commonly regarded as the most valuable trophies in Southern Africa for any sport.

According to the RowSA website, the trophies are certainly of the largest (approx. 1.20 m) and most valuable that rowers aim for in Africa and perhaps the world. The intensity of preparation and competition for these events by the oarsman, can be equalled to that for the Oxford Cambridge Annual Boat Race.

Trophies will be attributed following a points system, which is identical for both junior and senior events: 1^st Place will be awarded 3 points, 2^nd Place receive 2 points and 3^rd Place get 1 point. Should there only be three crews in the event then 1^st place shall earn 2 points and 2^nd place 1 point.

This three-day event attracted nearly a thousand competitors in 1997 and 1998 taking part in over 200 events. This year, some exciting racing is expected, with Ramon di Clemente and Donovan Cech rowing in the Old Edwardians crew. Their opponent in the eight -Victoria Lake Club (VLC) – will be stroked by Zak Wood who is joined by Sydney lightweight Olympian in the coxless four, Ross Hawkins.

For more information and full entries, visit the RowSA website.