A Note from Gemini

Gemini is delighted to be the Principal Sponsor of the Boat Race this year and for the next two years. We began our official partnership in 2021 in the midst of the global pandemic.

We had the good fortune to work together to safely stage the first Boat Race since the First World War to be held outside London, with no hospitality and no crowds.

As beautiful as the Fenlands are, it is good to have everyone back on the Championship Course with the full roar of the crowds from both sides of the river. There is a real sense of optimism attached to this year’s event, following such a tough period for many, and we’re delighted to be a part of this journey back to normality.

The spirit of endeavour, leadership and accountability fostered in the boat is part of Gemini’s DNA. Gemini’s association really started back in 2010, when our founders, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, competed in the Oxford Blue Boat, having rowed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This is therefore a special alliance for our company and for them personally.

Our association has grown even more special to us because of the Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme, which we created to broaden the impact of the Boat Race by funding and widening access to rowing instruction, facilities, and education for young people, and removing the financial barriers that often prevent many students from participating.

We are funding ambitious projects, chosen from an outstanding field of applications from around the UK. These include projects with London Youth Rowing, Fulham Reach Boat Club, Behind Every Kick and Brixton Wings in London, Ely College in Cambridgeshire, Firhill Youth Project and Community Sports Hub in Glasgow and Warrington Youth Rowing in Cheshire.

I have met many of the Oxford and Cambridge students involved – the enjoyment they get out of it is terrific to see. I know students have shown great commitment and perseverance, training through cold weather to hit their competitive goals.

So far, we have committed more than £160,000 and will continue to fund the successful projects this year to build on the momentum. Truly, the work these groups are doing for their local communities is remarkable.

We are very inspired by this year’s crews, who have worked so hard to be here. Race day is the culmination of countless training hours at ungodly times in unreasonably wild weather, simply to make it to the start line. They are part of a rivalry spanning more than 185 years, fiercely fought between Oxford and Cambridge universities.

A Note from Gemini

Boat Race Programme