RMB Buffalo Regatta 2022 | Seite 11

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Regatta

HERITAGE

The RMB Buffalo Regatta began in 1881 and has taken place every year since then except during the First and Second World War years . This statement sadly now also needs to include the cancellation of our 2021 regatta , due to the COVID pandemic , but 2022 sees the Regatta back again , and this will be the 134 ^th time the event takes place .

The Buffalo River around the end of the 19th century , already a popular rowing venue

The Buffalo & Leander rowing teams in the 1950 ’ s , before the Steve Biko bridge was built , with the old ELBA clubhouse on the East Bank

Bruce Viaena & courtesy ELBA				The RMB Buffalo Regatta has long been a major highlight on the South African rowing calendar , thanks not only to the exciting rowing action , but also due 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 trophies are widely regarded as the most valuable trophies in Southern Africa , for any sport , as they are priceless not only from a historical point of view , but also because they are made from pure silver ! One of the features of the RMB Buffalo Regatta , which serves to underline its unique positioning , is the fact that it ’ s the only national regatta where participants from senior	clubs , university clubs , junior clubs and school clubs compete side by side . Furthermore , a separate regatta in the form of the Selborne Sprints Regatta ( 500m racing ) is traditionally held on the Friday , with the Buffalo Regatta being held on the Thursday and Saturday of the same weekend . This event was pioneered by the late Trevor Shelver specifically for schools rowing . It generates enormous excitement in fiercely competitive events , where spectators can enjoy schools rowing at its best . In recent years , the RMB Buffalo Regatta has grown to one of the largest rowing regattas in the country , with nearly 750 competitors taking part in over 200 events , over three days . The number of events has been increasing steadily over the years , with the inclusion of more		women ’ s and junior rowing events . However , a limitation is applied to the number of entries that can be accepted , due to the limitation of a six-lane course as a result of it being a tidal river-run regatta . That is why in 2003 , an enormous project was undertaken by the local rowing community to clear the creek and widen the river at the 700m point to ensure a six-lane course . All Rowers Welcome The RMB Buffalo Regatta is organised by the East London Boating Association ( ELBA ), which has traditionally been the resident club for two local schools rowing clubs , Selborne College and
			Members of the RMB National Squad in action at the 2020 RMB Buffalo Regatta
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