Three New Boats, One Vision – St Benedict’s Charts Course for International Success
St Benedict’s College continues to dominate school rowing, maintaining its unbeaten streak and proudly holding the prestigious title of South Africa’s School Rowing Champions for an impressive 30th consecutive years. This month the school’s rowing club welcomed three impressive additions to their fleet: an Eight named Gloria Sancti Spiritu (Glory to the Holy Spirit in Latin), and two Pairs named after St Teresa and St Mary. During a special ceremony, the school’s chaplain, Father Thabo Mothiba blessed the boats and offered prayers for the future rowers who will compete in them.
Darryn Roff, Head of the St Benedict’s Rowing Club and proud Old Boy, sees these acquisitions as more than just new equipment. “The arrival of our three new boats this year is a vivid and intentional act to further add to our legacy, which is St Benedict’s Rowing. Landing a new first eight in 1999, 2005, 2013 and now in 2025, is symbolic of the success our rowers have achieved since the start of our accomplished rowing club in 1988. This year, these boats will not be the reason we continue to outperform our competitors, nor will it be the highlight or our Rowing Season, but it will yet again etch another showing of Bennies’ rowing prowess into the history of our Club.”
St Benedict’s has consistently produced top-tier rowers who have gone on to compete both nationally and internationally. The investment in new equipment reflects the school’s broader vision for rowing, which includes plans for a state-of-the-art rowing center and rowing tank. The school has set ambitious goals to compete in prestigious international events, including Youth Eights at the Head of the Charles Regatta, Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, and developing Bennies rowers to excel at World Championships annually.
Reflecting on the significance of this investment, Roff concludes, “Rowing is about legacy and the investment is one which will be enjoyed for decades to come. We are grateful for a visionary leadership team and a community that enables St Benedict’s rowing to soar to greater heights. Success breeds success and everyone wants to be part of a winning team.
From crew to coaches – we are delighted at the strong representation we have cultivated. We look forward to building on the three decades of unequivocal success, offering our boys the best possible opportunities in South Africa, and abroad.”
For more on St Benedict’s rowing – go to www.stbenedicts.co.za or Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.
