Maties rowing secured third place overall at the April 2026 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Rowing Sprints Regatta, claiming six gold, four silver, and two bronze medals in A final events. This made it “the most successful USSA Sprints in Maties Rowing history”, according to the club’s chairperson.
Hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), the event saw the top university rowing crews in the country go head-to-head in a fast-paced and intense regatta – a competition not to be missed on the student rowing calendar.
Taking place from 17 to 18 April at Misverstand Dam in the Western Cape, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) claimed overall victory with 742 points. They were followed by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with 368 points, and Maties rowing with 330 points.
“We are incredibly proud of the Stellenbosch Rowing team,” said Lynne Swingler, chairperson of Maties rowing and a fourth-year data engineering student at Stellenbosch University (SU).
(From left to right) Maties rowers, Callen Jordan and Hayden Thompson, competing at the April 2026 USSA Rowing Sprints Regatta, on Misverstand Dam. PHOTO: Supplied/Flickr/USSA
Maties in action
Although sprints are known to be short, high-speed races, a unique component of the competition was its distance. “Most courses are two kilometers, but the USSA course is only one. It’s short and punchy,” said Erin Powers, a Maties rower, USSA Rowing executive committee member, and final-year BA (Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies) student at SU.
Because of this, Powers said, a well-thought-out game plan was essential given the intensity and length of the course. “Sprints is such a hectic regatta because there’s so many races,” she said. “It requires so much strategy.”
Powers added that a balance had to be struck between selecting different rowers for specific races to conserve energy and “hunting for points”. This strategy, while increasing the number of Maties competitors in races, also risked fatigue.
Swingler also attributed the crew’s success to the recent addition of equipment and members. “The squad has grown significantly in the past year, particularly on the women’s side,” said Swingler. “The growth as well as the increased investment in equipment (new boats and blades) plays a major role in our improved performance.”
(From left to right) Brian Thomson, Justine Swingler, Caitlin Breytenbach, and Ryan Dellbridge representing Maties rowing at the April 2026 USSA Rowing Sprints Regatta, on Misverstand Dam. PHOTO: Supplied/Lynne Swingler
Come rain or shine
Even though the Maroon Machine secured 21 medals across all events, the competition was not without challenges. “The weather conditions over the weekend were extremely challenging, with strong winds and rain throughout the two-day regatta,” said Swingler. “However, I think the team handled the conditions exceptionally well and it did not negatively impact our performance.”
A further obstacle was missed entries in races, due to a late start and slow boat turnaround. “We would have placed higher if we did not miss a few of our races, such as the Men’s A 2x final and the Mixed B 4x, where we definitely would have medalled in both events,” said Ehros Smith, the technical coach for the crew.
The competition also highlighted structural constraints, particularly around diversity within the squad. “Because of the way USSA has structured its points system, we do require the involvement of [people of colour]. I think this is one of our shortfalls in the club,” said Smith. “We are busy with new initiatives and programmes to develop and involve more people of colour into the club.”
(From left to right) Maties rowers, Kaleigh Weeks, Erin Powers, Zach Lategan and Matthew de Vos competing at the April 2026 USSA Rowing Sprints Regatta on Misverstand Dam. PHOTO: Supplied/Flickr/USSA
Looking ahead
Leadership believed the competition proved Maties rowing was headed toward smooth waters.
“The success of the club is a testament to the hard work of our coaches, the commitment of the athletes as well as the strong club culture we’ve built,” said Swingler. “It will be crucial for us to continue this as we prepare for the USSA Boat Race in September.”