Breathing Life Back Into An Old Tradition

Gant, the international company of clothing and accessories, has gone into the rowing business.

On Saturday 22 May, the first Gant Rowing Race is to be held on the waters of Djurgårdsbrunnsviken in Stockholm between Sweden’s most prominent boarding schools, Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket and Lundsbergs skola. Although, these schools have their roots from a model of English boarding schools, in a press release from Gant’s office in Stockholm, the Gant Rowing Race is inspired by the annual boat race between the two Ivy League universities on the American east coast, Yale and Harvard. This, of course, is due to Gant being a brand of American heritage, launched in New Haven, Connecticut in 1949.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m. there will be three races for men and women in single scull, double scull, and quadruple scull, or coxless fours (the press release was a little vague on the latter boat types). The course on the bay of Djurgårdsbrunnsviken is around 800 metres from the Nobel Park to the waters outside the maritime museum, Sjöhistoriska museet. In 1912, the Olympic rowing regatta was held on Djurgårdsbrunnsviken, but the course was then 2,000 metres.

As Gant is now organizing this event, the company’s web site states that “a limited edition collection of rowing-inspired clothes will be launched in conjunction with the race.” The press release also says “Historically, Gant has always drawn its inspiration and gained influences from the old classic Ivy League sports. By celebrating one of the world’s most graceful and classic sports in this way, we are breathing life back into the old traditions.”

You will find interviews with the crews, training videos, and more information about the race by clicking here.