International Rowing Regatta Sveti Duje 2026
From May 8th to 10th, 2026, university sport brought together excellence and friendship in Split, Croatia, for the 24th International Rowing Regatta Sveti Duje.
Continuing a long-standing tradition, the regatta once again brought together top university rowing teams from across Europe and beyond to compete in Split.
This event is proudly organised by the University of Split, Split Academic Sport Association, Croatian Academic Sport Federation, and Croatian Rowing Federation in collaboration with local partners and under the patronage of the European University Sports Association (EUSA).
The event brought together around 500 participants, creating a strong international atmosphere throughout the weekend. Saturday’s university races featured 27 teams, with five of them returning to compete alongside the legends on Sunday. Teams travelled from across Europe, including 3 from the UK, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Germany, with Italy and Serbia, each represented by two crews. A particularly large number of participants also arrived from Croatia, further contributing to the event’s regional and international character.
After the opening ceremony in the unique Diocletian’s Palace Substructures, teams from all across Europe competed in the Spinut Course to claim the title in Women’s and Men’s Eights.
As part of this iconic student sporting event, alumni from Cambridge, Oxford, and Split battled in the Race of Legends, a 220-meters sprint taking place on Split’s iconic waterfront. In the same 220-metre course, women competed to win the Judith Race.
On behalf of the European University Sports Association, Haris Pavletic, President, greeted the participants and organisers of the Sv Duje Rowing Regatta, extending his appreciation for their commitment to university sport and wishing all competitors success in a spirit of fair play and international friendship.
The opening ceremony offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by inspiring speeches and providing a wonderful opportunity for team representatives to connect, socialise, and get acquainted.
Cambridge and Oxford once again confirmed their dominance in university rowing. University of Cambridge Men’s Eight defended last year’s victory, followed on the podium by University of Oxford. University of Split secured bronze after a thrilling photo-finish.
For the fifth time in a row, University of Oxford Women’s Eight claimed gold, followed by University of Cambridge. The University of Zagreb took bronze in the women’s race.
The Regatta concluded with the spectacular Race of Legends on the Split Riva, where rowing legends from Cambridge, Split and Oxford once again delivered an unforgettable show. Cambridge Legends took the trophy, with Split and Oxford completing the podium.
The University of Oxford women’s team won the Judith Race, with the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London also standing on the podium of the women’s sprint race.
The Regatta Sveti Duje demonstrated once again the power of university sport to connect people, universities, and communities across borders, confirming itself as one of the most unique rowing events in Europe.
For more information, please see: rsd.hr