The Standard Bank South African Schools Boat Race, one of South Africa’s best junior rowing events, was held on December 6 and 7 at Port Alfred.

This year’s event was the 24th, with the previous 23 races all taking place on the Kowie River.

The Boat Race presents a unique challenge to all competitors, as they must navigate the twists and turns and fluctuating tides of the Kowie River, as opposed to traditional rowing races, which take place on a straight track across one or two kilometres.

A total of 28 boys and girls crews from across the country competed, with one school not only finishing second, but also serving as an example of the power of constant devotion, hard work, and an example of the power of devoted transformation in sport.

The St Stithians Girls’ College team finished in an outstanding third place in 2023, and were looking forward to the opportunity to improve with strong junior athletes becoming eligible for Boat Race in 2024.

On December 6, rowing enthusiasts and competitors alike flocked to witness the thrilling spectacle of the Boat Race heads race, a rowing staple that combines endurance, strategy and teamwork.

From left, the St Stithians girls rowing team: Lucy Taylor (Stroke), Ntsako Shipalana (3), Kenya Simpson (2), Anouk van der Breggen (Bow) and Bontle Nogomba (Cox). Photo: AIDAN VAN DER BREGGEN

Heads races, unlike regular sprint races, are time trials in which crews compete against the clock across a meandering course ranging from 4km (women) to 6km (men). Boats launch at regular intervals, traversing the course as they chase down their competitors.

The format challenges rowers’ physical strength and stamina, as well as the coxswain’s steering and the coaches’ race planning skills, as teams compete for the fastest overall time.

“The beauty of a heads race lies in its complexity,” remarked Kate Christowitz, the Campus Director of Rowing at St Stithians College.

“It’s not just about raw power – it’s about synchronisation, tactics and the ability to adapt to ever-changing water conditions.”

The St Stithians Girls’ College team demonstrated that endurance leads to greater things as they were crowned the fastest team of the day, beating 13 other teams in a leading time of 13 minutes and 49 seconds.

The first place in the heads race qualified them for the amazing A finals on December 7, against the Gauteng Championship gold medallist crew from St Andrews Girls.

Even though the St Stithians Girls’ team only won silver on December 7, it made an encouraging statement because the team comprised of four new members and was the ONLY team on the podium from both junior women’s and men’s divisions to include 60% rowers of colour, the most diverse crew that has ever been on the podium in the girls division.

This is a first in the girls’ division at Boat Race.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and progress our St Stithians girls’ rowing team has shown this season,” according to Kate.

“Looking ahead to 2025, I am convinced that we will build on this solid basis and achieve even greater success. We’re not simply training rowers; we’re creating a legacy of greatness for St Stithians College Rowing.”

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