LONDON, Ont. – Both the UBC Thunderbirds men's and women's rowing teams have positioned themselves to challenge for national team titles following an exciting opening day of racing at the 2026 Canadian University Rowing Championships (CURCs).

With strong performances across heavyweight and lightweight events, both Thunderbird squads remain firmly in contention heading into Sunday's championship finals, setting up a showdown with longtime rivals, the University of Victoria Vikes.

Crews battled the famed strong cross winds of Lake Fanshawe in Saturday's time trials, which determine spots in Sunday's finals. Of the six CURC men's and women's events, only four time trials were completed before racing was cancelled due to wind and dangerous conditions for small boats. Qualification for Men's 1x and Lightmen's 1x and Women's 2- and 2x have been moved to Sunday AM.

UBC Women Deliver Strong Performances Across the Fleet

The Thunderbird women enjoyed an impressive opening day, highlighted by a first-place finish in the lightweight women's four and a strong second-place showing in the women's eight.

The lightweight four delivered one of UBC's standout performances, finishing ahead of UVic to establish itself as a leading contender for Sunday's national title. Meanwhile, the women's eight secured second place behind the Vikes, setting the stage for another highly anticipated championship battle between the two programs.

UBC also demonstrated important depth in the single sculling events. The women's single finished sixth, four positions ahead of UVic in tenth, while the lightweight women's single placed fourth, ahead of the Vikes in sixth.

With the women's pair and lightweight women's double sculls still to race, the Thunderbirds have further opportunities to strengthen their position in the overall team standings.

The combination of a leading lightweight four, a competitive eight, and strong results across the sculling events has put the UBC women within striking distance of the national team championship.



UBC Men Poised for a 5th National Championship Title

The UBC men's team also produced an excellent opening day, recording a first-place finish in the men's pair, and second in the men's 8+ and Lightmen's 4+, and 4th in the LM2x.

The men's pair delivered a commanding performance, winning its time trial by nine seconds over second-place UVic and establishing itself as a strong favourite heading into Sunday's final.

In the marquee men's eight, the Thunderbirds finished second, just 2.6 seconds behind the Vikes. The narrow margin sets up what promises to be another thrilling championship showdown between two of Canada's strongest university rowing programs.

The lightweight men's four also delivered a competitive performance, finishing second behind Queen's University and just 0.6 seconds ahead of UVic. With only two seconds separating UBC from first place, the lightweight four remains firmly in contention for national gold.

National Championships to Be Decided Sunday

With both UBC teams in contention, Sunday's finals promise an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Canadian University Rowing Championships.

For the Thunderbirds, the opportunity is clear: build on a strong opening day, challenge for national titles across multiple boat classes, and bring both the men's and women's team championship trophies back to Vancouver.

With margins measured in seconds and national championship points at stake in every event, the stage is set for a memorable final day of racing.