Despite the mighty Oxford and Cambridge having sent teams, it was the Ghent University team that took gold.
In scenes reminiscent of the annual boat race in London, the riverbanks were packed with spectators.
The clement weather was good news for the ice cream and beer vendors that had taken up position among the crowd.
Idea for the regatta came from the Rector of Ghent University Paul Van Cauwenberge.
In scenes reminiscent of the annual boat race in London, the riverbanks were packed with spectators.
The clement weather was good news for the ice cream and beer vendors that had taken up position among the crowd.
Idea for the regatta came from the Rector of Ghent University Paul Van Cauwenberge.
He told the daily "De Gentenaar" that he discovered the rich tradition surrounding varsity rowing by chance while holidaying in the U.K.
Mr Van Cauwenberge decided that Ghent should have its own regatta with Oxford and Cambridge among participants.
The Gent boat race is not comparable to the varsity race on the Thames.
For example, the seven-kilometre course is much shorter.
The Oxford rowing team member Ben Van Duren told the paper that the Ghent race is much better for the spectators than the London race as they can see it more or less in its entirety.
The British teams were exceptionally magnanimous in defeat and congratulated the Ghent team with cries of "Ghent hooray!"
Mr Van Cauwenberge decided that Ghent should have its own regatta with Oxford and Cambridge among participants.
The Gent boat race is not comparable to the varsity race on the Thames.
For example, the seven-kilometre course is much shorter.
The Oxford rowing team member Ben Van Duren told the paper that the Ghent race is much better for the spectators than the London race as they can see it more or less in its entirety.
The British teams were exceptionally magnanimous in defeat and congratulated the Ghent team with cries of "Ghent hooray!"
