Challenge on Tyne is issued

May 1 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

ROWERS from Newcastle and Durham universities have kicked off the countdown to their annual meeting with a challenge on the banks of the Tyne.

Dan Cupit, president of Newcastle University Boat Club, issued the challenge to Rob Stark, president of Durham University Boat Club, by handing over a ceremonial oar blade in Gateshead’s Baltic Square.

This year’s University Boat Race takes place on the Tyne on May 11, with races between the university freshmen’s and freshwomen’s eights, and the men’s and women’s senior eights over a 1,800-metre course on the River Tyne from Dunston Staithes to the finish line under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

The Senior Men’s Eights compete for a trophy which is named in honour of Harry Clasper, a 19th Century rowing champion from Gateshead who is the subject of an exhibition at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.

Mr Clasper’s great great nephew Dave Clasper was at yesterday’s event.

He said: “The history of rowing on the Tyne has long been a passion of mine. Not many people realise that, in Harry Clasper’s day, back in the mid 1800s, competitive rowing on the Tyne had a tremendous following.

“I had the honour of starting the very first University Boat Race in 1997, and I have been thrilled to see the annual spectacle unfolding between the two universities. I wish all the rowers the very best of luck in this year’s races, and long may they continue to revive the spirits of past greats like Clasper, Renforth, Chambers and Taylor in this classic contest.”

Last year’s event ended in a tie, with each university claiming honours in two of the four races.

But Durham are considered to be the reigning titleholders because they have won more of the previous years’ events outright. Newcastle president Dan Cupit said: “Everyone at Newcastle University Boat Club has been working very hard this season, competing in British universities events and GB trials around the country, but the University Boat Race is a really special event for us.

“Last year’s races were among the closest ever, and we are committed to making this year’s event an equally nail-biting experience.”

The boat race is supported by The Journal as well as Northumbrian Water Limited, Port of Tyne, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University, Durham University, the Environment Agency, Volker Stevin, HMS Calliope, Cancer Research UK and the Army.

An exhibition about the history of rowing on the Tyne – entitled “When the Tyne led the world” – is currently on display at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle.