Sydney University claimed both University titles at the 2026 Australian Boat Race, prevailing over Melbourne University in two closely contested races on the Lane Cove River.
The event brought together university, college and school crews for a six-race program, including the inaugural school girls’ and boys’ races.
In the women’s college race Trinity College Melbourne were deserved winners whilst St John’s College Sydney won the college men's event, while St Catherine’s School Waverley and St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill became the first winners of the school race.
The University races continued the long-standing rowing rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne with both contests producing close results.
In the women’s race, Sydney University competed from the Lane Cove (North) station, with Melbourne University starting from the Hunters Hill (South) station. Sydney secured the victory to claim the women’s Australian Boat Race title. This now sets up both Universities at 8 to win a piece since the first contest back in 2009.
The stations were reserved for the men’s race, with Melbourne on the north side and Sydney on the south side, Sydney again prevailing in a close contest, completing the university double. This is now their 14th win overall and 11th in a row dating back to 2014.
The college women’s race opened the program, with St Andrew’s College Sydney racing from the North station and Sydney on the South, with a convincing win by Trinity College, Melbourne.
In the college men’s race, Trinity competed against St John’s College Sydney, with St John’s claimed victory, with Sydney and Melbourne colleges each winning one race.
The introduction of school racing was a significant addition to this year’s program, with four Sydney schools taking part in the inaugural event.
St Catherine’s School raced from the North station against Pymble Ladies’ College from the South. St Catherine’s became the first school to claim the title, with the fixture looking to be a regular fixture for the years to come.
In the boys’s race, St Joseph’s competed from the north station against King’s School from the South. St Joseph secured the victory to become the inaugural Australian Schoolboys champion.
Congratulations to all participating crews and their coaches on Sunday.