Boatrace Report 2024

The annual Schools’ Boatrace on the Kowie River in Port Alfred, hosted by St Andrew’s College, delivered thrilling action, and our St Alban’s crew rose to the challenge! 

Friday: Heads Race (Time Trial)
Our first eight started aggressively, attacking the course with determination. Despite being forced to deviate from their racing line to avoid the crew ahead—a move that cost valuable time—they secured a commendable 5th place overall, earning their spot in the C-Final against Rondebosch.

Saturday: C-Final Showdown
Winning the coin toss, our boys chose the East Bank station to counter Rondebosch’s early advantage at the dog-leg and gain the inside line at the ladies’ start corner. The race was intense from the start, with early pressure leading to two collisions and a broken oar. Following the second incident, a restart was required under race regulations, leaving us one oar short.

Undeterred, our crew dug deep. With remarkable composure, they pulled ahead during the restart and held their lead to secure a 5th-place finish overall—a three-place improvement on last year! 

A Team Effort
Victory in the C-final showcased the team’s progress, determination, and adaptability, particularly given this season’s unique challenges. The squad of 11 included five U16s, with one serving as coxswain, and two spares who played a pivotal role in training. Additionally, two boys from the first quad joined the team straight after completing Group 1 Journey just days before the tour.

 Mr Grant commented:
“It was truly a team effort this year. Our spares, in particular, played a crucial role in ensuring we kept an eight on the water throughout our preparation, even though they didn’t race in the final line-up. We are extremely proud of the entire squad, as it was their collective efforts that made it all possible.”

Congratulations to our first eight and to all the competing schools on an incredible event. Onwards and upwards, St Alban’s! 

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