Sydney dominates the 2018 Australian Boat Race

Australia’s two oldest universities, a stretch of water and one long standing rivalry.

Melbourne and Sydney are known for their fierce rivalry and rowing is no different. The Australian Boat Race sees Melbourne University and Sydney University battle it out each year on Sydney Harbour or Melbourne’s Yarra River.

The race has a long history dating back to the 1870’s when the two universities would routinely race each other. The modern Australian Boat Race, however, was founded in 2009 as a time trial. From this, the event was formalised as a race alternating between Sydney and Melbourne.

2018 was the 10th edition of the race and saw the crews race 4.3km on Sydney Harbour. The conditions were tough with crews battling a cross breeze down the course, but Sydney University held strong to take victory in both the men’s and women’s race. It is the seventh time the Sydney men have been victorious over the University of Melbourne, however despite Sydney also taking the women’s crown for 2018, Melbourne University holds the most women’s titles with 8 wins. This fierce rivalry is set to continue when the Boat Race returns to Melbourne in 2019. By Robert Muir