Double Success for Saints Rowing at Scottish Rowing Awards
The University of St Andrews Boat Club is celebrating national recognition after claiming two major honours at the Scottish Rowing Awards 2025-26, with rowers Hansine Marshall and Tash Phillips named Crew of the Year and the Saints Regatta winning Event of the Year.
The awards recognise the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, crews and events that have made an outstanding contribution to rowing across Scotland over the past year. This year’s winners reflect the strength of rowing at St Andrews both on and off the water, highlighting excellence in performance as well as event delivery.
Crew of the Year for Marshall and Phillips
St Andrews rowers Hansine Marshall and Tash Phillips were awarded Crew of the Year following a remarkable season that culminated in an outstanding performance at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.
Representing the University in the Stonor Challenge Cup for Women’s Double Sculls, the duo progressed all the way to the final, where they faced the reigning Olympic champions. Their achievement marked one of the most significant results in the club’s history and demonstrated their ability to compete alongside some of the sport’s very best athletes.
Their success was made even more impressive by the diverse nature of their rowing experience. Both athletes competed across Beach Sprint and traditional rowing disciplines, while Marshall reached the Henley final in only her second year in the sport.
The award recognises not only their exceptional talent and determination, but also the teamwork and belief that carried them to one of rowing’s biggest stages.
Saints Regatta Named Event of the Year
Adding to the celebrations, Saints Regatta was recognised as Event of the Year for delivering an outstanding Beach Sprint rowing competition in St Andrews.
The event brought together athletes ranging from international performers to newcomers experiencing Beach Sprint rowing for the first time. Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers from the University of St Andrews Boat Club, the wider University community, Scottish Rowing and the Beach Sprint rowing network, the regatta has quickly become a highlight of the Scottish rowing calendar.
Innovations including an expanded range of competition categories and the introduction of banded finals created more opportunities for participants to experience the excitement of knockout racing. Despite challenging weather and sea conditions, organisers adapted throughout the day to ensure the event ran successfully and safely.
The racing concluded with an evening awards celebration and ceilidh, bringing competitors, volunteers and supporters together to mark a memorable day for the sport.
