New deal brings men's and women's boat races onto same day

Oxford’s men’s crew celebrating their 2011 victory

New sponsorship deals for the boat race will enable the men’s and women’s races to be held on the same stretch of river on the same day for the first time, it has been announced today (8 February 2012).

The men’s Boat Race will be sponsored for the next five years by BNY Mellon, commencing with the 2013 BNY Mellon Boat Race. The new deal will also feature the women’s race moving to the Tideway, most likely in 2015, and it will continue to be sponsored by Newton, the UK-based subsidiary of BNY Mellon.

Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, said: ‘The enormous dedication shown by our student crews in the face of demanding academic programmes is inspiring and brings a real sense of collective pride to our university. We are delighted to welcome BNY Mellon to the Varsity family, especially as it features the continued sponsorship of the Women's race by Newton and the very exciting move to the Tideway for the women in future years. Oxford and Cambridge strive to be world class in all that we undertake, mixing heritage with cutting edge innovation.'

He added: ‘Through the Boat Race we are able to communicate these values to a global audience and we look forward to working closely with the Boat Race organisers and with such an internationally respected companies as BNY Mellon and Newton.’

Gerald L. Hassell, chairman, president and chief executive officer of BNY Mellon, said: 'The Boat Race is one of the world’s most famous sporting events with a rich heritage, and it is a great privilege and pleasure for BNY Mellon to be the title partner. In addition, we are pleased that Newton’s continued support of the women’s race is to bring parity to the sport. Being able to bring the women’s race to the same stretch of river on the same day for the first time is a significant milestone, and will enhance the experience for everyone. This is good for rowing, for gender equality, and for sport as a whole.'