HERITAGE
History of the Buffalo Regatta
The Buffalo Regatta began in 1881 and has been held every year since then , except for an interruption during the war years , and in 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic . In 2024 the regatta will be held for the 136th time .
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
Viewed as one of South Africa ’ s oldest and most prestigious national sporting events , East London Boating Association ( ELBA ) is proud to host the event annually in East London on the Buffalo River .
The Buffalo Regatta has been a major highlight on the South African rowing calendar 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 two Trophies are commonly 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 .
The RMB Buffalo Regatta is a national event and over the years has seen various international interest . In 1995 Emanuel College from Great Britain competed in the regatta . In the past Angus Robertson , a steward of the Royal Henley Regatta on Thames , attended and officiated at the Buffalo Regatta . His mere presence at the event as well as his comments about the Buffalo Regatta speaks volumes : “... it is the best regatta in South Africa by far .” We welcome the German Rowing Team who have arrived from Lower Saxony to participate this year . Over the years we have been fortunate to welcome the full National Squad who use the regatta as an important event of the squad calendar especially leading up to the Olympics .
The RMB Buffalo Regatta in recent years 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 . 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 sixlane course .
8 RMB Buffalo Regatta 2024