Record breaking entries for the 2020 RMB VLC National Sprints Regatta

Having started in 1907, the RMB VLC National Sprints Regatta is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest all-age rowing regattas. It takes place at Victoria Lake in Germiston, attracting talent from around the country – U14 school kids, university students, masters age-group rowers, and the RMB National Rowing Squad.

Rand Merchant Bank first sponsored VLC National Sprints Regatta in 2018, as part of its commitment to supporting South African rowing from grass roots level to the national team.

In 2019 RMB committed to continue the partnership for the 2019 and 2020 regattas.

Through the RMB sponsorship the regatta has been able to maintain the facilities used and to support the development of rowing.

In 2019 RMB donated R100 000 that was used to rebuild the shed for Germiston Rowing Club, after a storm damaged the shed, boats, and equipment.

The 2020 RMB VLC National Sprints Regatta takes place on the weekend of the 25 and 26 January with over 1 000 boats entered, breaking the 2019 record of 970.  The athletes are in for a weekend of competitive racing and it is bound to be a great spectacle for the spectators.

The regatta is also be an incredible opportunity for athletes and spectators to meet. Watch the country’s best rowers from the RMB National Squad battle it out on the water as they race in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

After the 2019 tragic lightning accident, RMB committed to sponsoring lightning towers at Roodeplaat Dam and Victoria Lake. The lightning tower picks up on lightning risk and gives coaches and event organisers advanced warning to get athletes and spectators to safe shelter. In March 2019 the first lightning tower was erected at Roodeplaat Dam and the second lightning tower will be erected in time for the RMB VLC National Sprints Regatta this weekend.