Boat Race 2013

Port Alfred once again played host to the annual Mutual and Federal Universities Boat Race last weekend from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th of September. The rowing teams of universities form all over South Africa meet in the coastal, Eastern Cape town to compete in the regatta. Final races, which were determined by heats on the Thursday, took place on Saturday the 7th. 

The men's race for gold and silver was won by the University of Pretoria, putting the University of Cape Town in second place. Third position was raced for between the University of Johannesburg and Rhodes University. This race was restarted after a clash between the teams which was reportedly a mutual fault. This was followed by a second restart after the University of Johannesburg caused a second clash in which the Rhodes University boat is rumored to have sustained damage. The bronze position was eventually taken by the University of Johannesburg, putting Rhodes University in fourth. The woman's final was won by the University of Cape Town with the University of Pretoria taking silver. The woman's B finals were won by the University of Johannesburg putting Rhodes University in second position with silver. 

Boat Race is not only about the regatta for the students of these universities, many of whom only come for the after parties. Students wearing the traditional overalls in their university colours set up camp on the side of of the river in anticipation of a weekend of drinking, dancing and socializing. Well known DJs and music acts play each night, this year performers included DJ Fresh, Niskerone, Guns n Lazers, P.H. Fat, and Das Kapital among others.