By Glen Lumsden
On Saturday the 21st March 2026, Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon University clashed for the 31st time in the Aberdeen Boat Race. The 3.5 kilometer route begins at the Bridge of Dee and ends at the Aberdeen Boat House.
The theme of this year’s race is Boars and Bulls, the Boars representing RGU and the Bulls representing Aberdeen University. The race has been hailed as Scotland’s answer to the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.
Before the racing day commenced I had the pleasure to speak to one of Aberdeen University’s coaches, Hugo Taylor. Before taking the step up to coaching, Hugo was a senior athlete for Aberdeen University’s Rowing Club. However, after suffering an injury to his back, Hugo could no longer row and was offered a role to become a coach which he accepted.
Hugo told me that he finds his coaching role extremely rewarding, he loves watching those who he coaches develop and grow their rowing skills. Hugo coaches rowers for both Aberdeen University and RGU. Aberdeen University won all four races against RGU, bringing the overall score between the two universities to 23-8.
It was a great day for both universities and everyone involved, with both Aberdeen University and RGU both putting in strong performances. Hugo told me that he was feeling very confident in favour of Aberdeen University as it was building up to the start of the racing day, both sides were looking strong and in recent years the competition has become much tighter.
Aberdeen University convincingly won the Alumni and First Crew races, however the Principals and Second Crew Races were extremely close. Hugo told me before the races that the Second Crew Race would be the closest of all four. It was great to see the competition between the two universities so close, and many congratulations to everyone involved.
As a rowing coach I asked Hugo what his expectations were, both on the water and on land. Off the water Hugo expects his crew to be in high spirits and make sure any newcomers feel welcome. On the water Hugo expects good communication and listening skills, both from his crew and himself. Hugo explained to me how important communication is for both coaches and crew, that as a coach he should make any necessary changes and give praise when the team is doing well.
It was a fantastic opportunity to attend this year’s race and speak to one of Aberdeen
University’s coaches, who gave me some fascinating insights about competitive rowing. It was a great day for the Granite City and great for both universities, with many spectators attending throughout the day and many congratulations to Aberdeen University on winning all four races and extending the lead over RGU.
Everyone involved in this event should feel very proud of themselves, both the participants in the races and the organisers of such a great event. If rowing interests you can find the rowing team on Instagram under the username @universityrowingaberdeen.