27 March 2026
Bilbao
The 44thª Engineers-Deusto Regatta once again turned the Bilbao estuary into the setting for one of the city’s most long-standing university sporting traditions. At 18:00, the two boats set off from Erandio to cover the four nautical miles (7,408 metres) to the finish line located in front of Bilbao City Hall.
The Deusto crew took victory, completing the course in 25 minutes and 10 seconds and crossing the line 34 seconds ahead of Engineers. Although the Engineers’ boat made a stronger start and led in the opening metres, the Deusto crew moved into the lead shortly afterwards and maintained their advantage to the finish, never allowing a comeback.
Before the start, Deusto exercised its right to choose its lane and opted for the southern lane, the most commonly selected in the history of the regatta and traditionally considered more favourable for navigation.
First Regatta with mixed crews
The 44th edition will also go down in history as the first in which both crews were mixed, reflecting the evolution of this university competition and the commitment to equality that the Regatta has been promoting in recent years.
As every year, the finish area, in front of Bilbao City Hall, drew an outstanding atmosphere, with large crowds following the closing stages of the Regatta with great enthusiasm. Fans, former rowers, institutional representatives and sponsors watched the crews arrive on a cold afternoon, with weather conditions that nevertheless allowed the event to go ahead as planned.
The public was able to follow the race on a large screen installed in the area, which broadcast striking footage captured by a drone. The aerial footage offered a unique perspective of the estuary and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The prize is honour
As has been tradition since 1981, the Engineers–Deusto Regatta does not award any monetary prize. The winner receives nothing more than the honour of having their name engraved on the Silver Plate, which records the history of the competition, thereby upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and university life that characterises this fixture.
Following the presentation of the Trophy, and in keeping with tradition, both crews made their way to the Sociedad Bilbaína, where they shared the customary Fellowship Dinner in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst the participants.
Traditions that endure
The day also provided one of the most eagerly anticipated moments: the traditional throwing into the water of the winning boat’s helmsman, who this time had to face a particularly cold estuary, on an afternoon when, although the weather was favourable, the low temperatures were certainly felt.
With this victory, Deusto extends its lead in the overall record, reaching 28 wins compared with Engineers’ 16, further consolidating its historical dominance in the competition.
Once again, the Engineers-Deusto Regatta brought together tradition, sporting spirit and a university atmosphere on the Bilbao estuary, confirming that, 44 editions on, it remains one of the most special events on the city’s sporting and social calendar.
The organisers of the Engineers-Deusto Regatta would like to express their gratitude to the universities, sponsors and supporters who, year after year, make this event possible. The commitment of both universities, the support of the collaborating organisations and the loyalty of the public who follow the Regatta along the estuary and from various points across Bilbao are the true driving force behind a tradition which, after 44 editions, continues to grow and keep alive the university, sporting and civic spirit that defines the Engineers-Deusto Regatta.
