Citing security reasons (following the outcry of the first Anniversary of 7th July atrocities), the RUBC Annual Regatta in 1963 was cancelled.
In 1923, RUBC was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Professor of Law at the Rangoon University. He pledged a third of his salary for RUBC’s expenses.
Sir Arthur was a member of the Cambridge University Rowing Club and a proponent of the Egg-Bairn Rowing Style. He was impressed with the prowess and dedication of the Burmese Laung rowers. He wanted to introduce the Western style of Rowing to RU students.
The philanthropist U Nyo donated for the construction of the RU Estate. The fund was used several projects including the construction of the RU Students’ Union Building and for the Club House of RUBC. U Nyo donated a Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights. It was replaced in the mid 1950s by the President’s Challenge Cup (donated by the President of the Union of Burma).
Sithu U Tin (President, RUBC, Father of Dr. Nyunt Tin and Saya U Han Tin) decided not to cancel the party to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Rangoon University Boat Club.
Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon (Vice President) and U Tin Htoon compiled the RUBC History and published it in the Souvenir Program. It lists Past EC members and RUBC Golds.
Some attendees are seen in the group photo. Sad to note that a few are now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
They include
U Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold, ARAE Champion in 1958 and 1960)
Bohmu Hla Min (Eddie, Orthopedic Surgeon, Golden Cox)
U Win Kyi (SPED, son of Sayama Amelia Kyi (“Miss Hong Kong”, SPHS, RUBC Gold in 1959)
U Myo Myint (RUBC Gold in 1962)
U Thein Aung (Micky Tan, SPHS59, Physics Saya, RUBC Gold in 1962)
U Thaung Lwin (Captain and RUBC Gold in 1963)
U Than Htut (RUBC Gold in 1963)
…
U Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung)
U Kyaw Wynn
U Maung Maung Kyi
U Hla Min The four of us matriculated from SPHS in 1963. We were Runner-up for the Senior Novices in the Monsoon Regatta for 1963. We were awarded Full Green at the end of the term. Our cox was U Myint Thein (SPHS62, younger brother of U Win Htein and U Myo Myint).
No EC members were elected for the vacant positions of Secretary and Treasurer.
It signaled the beginning of the end of the system for democratically electing EC by the voting members.
Changes
The Inter-Hall and Inter-Faculty events now belong to the past.
On a bright note, female members were admitted. RUBC became a co-ed club. Several will later become RUBC Gold.
Inter-Institute competitions for men and women were contested keenly.
Anniversaries
We attended the 40th Anniversary Dinner held at a Kandawgyi Hotel in 1963.
In 2013, I served as a Contributing Editor for the 90th Anniversary Issue. I wrote a Prelude for each section. I also wrote three articles.
In 2019, I attended the 96th Anniversary Regatta of RUBC.
I met Old and Not so old Members. I talked with several Patrons of the YUBC OMA.
I learned that the restaurant owner (which had “possessed” the Club House) finally agreed to move out.
We no longer use the Regatta Island. Probably RUBC no longer has access to the Regatta Island.
We see lots of current and old members competing, but we do not see many fans, families and friends rooting for the crews.
We see lots of trophies (may be 28 sets), but there was an unintentional mix up in one event.
We see new boats and flags, but we wonder how students from the many universities and institutes (some far away) have passion, time and energy to take up competitive rowing without sacrificing their academic achievements.
Some old members are looking forward to the Centennial Celebrations in 2023.
In Weight Lifting, the tie breaker winner is the one with a lower body weight.
In High Jump and Pole Vault, the tie breaker winner is the one with less misses.
In a knock out game in Soccer, a tied game in regulation time goes into overtime. If the overtime does not produce a winner, Penalty Kicks are taken to break the tie.
In Ice Hockey, a tied game in regulation time goes into overtime. If the overtime does not produce a winner, Penalty Shootouts are taken to break the tie.
In a knock out game in Golf, a tied game after 72 holes goes into a “Sudden Death” play (of one or more extra holes).
In most Tennis championships, a tied set with 6 games each goes into the Tie breaker game (of 12 or more points, with the winner needing two more points). Thus, the final score would be marked 7-6 (followed by the points in the Tie Breaker).
Some Tennis Championships do not allow Tie Breaker in the fifth and final set. Some games with a long set (with 20 or more games) leave the players and viewers exhausted.
No Tie
In Basketball, a tied game continues with one or more overtime.
In Baseball, a tied game continues with one or more extra innings.
RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) was founded in 1923 by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor), who pledged a third of his salary for the operation of the club.
Sir Arthur rowed at Cambridge University.
He is also known for Egg-Bairn Rowing Style.
He was impressed by the Burmese Laung rowers. He wanted to provide Rangoon University Students access to the Western style of rowing.
Details can be found in
Autobiography of Sir Arthur Eggar (reprinted in 2013 by selected Old Members)
Commemorative Issue for the 40th Anniversary (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon)
Commemorative Issue for the 90th Anniversary (compiled by the team with U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U Htaik San (Henry, Secretary))
My web site hlamin.com
U Nyo
U Nyo donated to the University of Rangoon to help establish the RU Estate (including the RU Student Union Building and the RUBC Club House).
He also sponsored the U Nyo Cup for the Inter-Club Coxed Eights.
In the mid 1950s, the President of the Union of Burma donated the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Eights. The President’s Cup replaced U Nyo’s Cup.
Challenge Cups by RUBC
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma (who is also Chancellor of the University of Rangoon Donated the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Coxed Fours. The inaugural event was contested by
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
Calcutta University Rowing Club (CURC)
Calcutta Lake Club
Sir Arthur Eggar donated a Pewter Cup for the winner of Senior Novices event
See the 40th Anniversary and 90th Anniversary Commemorative Issues for a list of Challenge Cups awarded at RUBC / YUBC.
ARAE Regattas
Venable’s Bowl for Coxless Pairs
RUBC crew of Ko Tin Htoon and Dr. Harry Saing won at the 1958 ARAE Regatta in Calcutta, India
Willingdon Trophy for Coxed Fours
RUBC “B” crew of Ko Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Sunny Teng and Ko Sein Htoon won at the 1960 ARAE Regatta in Columbo, Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Contestants from other ARAE Clubs wondered why the supposedly better crew was named “B”.
During the trials at RUBC, some higher authorities selected the Coxed Fours. They decided to have a “Best of Three” race for Coxless Pairs between the top two Pairs :
Ko Tin Htoon (S) and Ko Harry (B)
Victor Htun Shein (S) and Sunny Teng (B)
After winning one race each, the two Pairs “protested” to the higher authorities. The deal was stuck. The two Pairs were “selected” to compete in two events : Coxless Pairs and (more importantly) as RUBC “B” team for Coxed Fours. The rest is history.
FEARA Regattas
The regattas took place in Hong Kong, Singapore, …
In 1959, RUBC was represented by Tun Shein (Willie), Win Kyi, Tin Htoon, Harry Saing, San Maung (Gerald) and Hla Min (Eddie)
In 1961, RUBC was represented by Tin Wa, Tin Htoon, Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein, Win Kyi, Tun Shein (Willie) and Hla Min (Eddie)
FEARA had Sculls, Coxed Pairs and Coxed Fours.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, RUBC teams took part in Junior as well as Senior events.
RUBC in the Early Days
Dues
Annual subscription (typically 10 kyats)
Life Member (after a 5 year membership)
Fee for Rag Regatta, Monsoon Regatta and Annual Regatta (typically 2 kyats per event)
President
President Sir Arthur Eggar was elected as Life Time President. His successors include Commodore Than Pe, U Tun Thoung, Sithu U Tin
Vice President
Executive Committee (EC) Members
The Executive Committee is elected at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) by the voting members.
Election is usually for Honorary Treasurer (default Entry Level) unless there are vacancies due to resignation
Usually, one starts as Treasurer. He gets promoted to Secretary (or the next vacant position) in the subsequent AGMs. It may take up to four years to become RUBC Captain.
RUBC follows “Robert’s Rule of Order”
Captain Give speech at the award ceremony of the regatta (excellent training for Public Speaking)
Vice Captain
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
Dark Moments
In the then new Education System, the Bye Laws of RUBC were not followed.
Some time later, the Roll of Honor (listing ECs and Golds) and Sir Arthur Eggar’s bust disappeared.
Six Siblings
U Tin U and three younger brothers Dr. Myo Tint, U Tin Htoon and U Thaung Lwin are Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. Two other younger brothers Saya U Ba Than (retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) and Saya U Myo Min (who helped Saya Dr. Chit Swe establish Universities’ Computer Centre) are Full Green.
Independence Day Regatta in 1948
Two San Pe Brothers
Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick) and Dr. Pe Thein (Tom) became RUBC Golds along with U Tin U and Bobby Tin when they represented RUBC at the Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948.
Dr. Pe Nyun is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC. He is a distinguished Pediatric Surgeon. He led the team to operate on the conjoined twins — Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San — with Dr. Htut Saing (Harry) as Second Lead. After retirement, he moved to Canada. He is now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
Dr. Pe Thein is Gold. He served as Professor and later as Minister of Health and Education. He is also GBNF.
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and sons
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun is the oldest among the Past Captains who are alive. He is older than U Tin U by a few months. After graduation, he joined the Burma Navy (headed by Commodore Than Pe, Past President of RUBC). He did post graduate study at RU and also served as Captain of RUBC in the early 1950s.
His elder son Ko Hla Maw Tun is Past Secretary and RUBC Gold.
His younger son Ko Aung Khine is Past Captain and RUBC.
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and Ko Aung Khine hold the RUBC record for the first Father and Son who are Past Captain and RUBC Gold.
Bogyoke Than Pe and Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun helped found
* Defense Services Boat Club * Burma Rowing Federation
Bohmu later helped found
* Marine Youth (Ye Gyaung Lu Nge)
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun also served as Myanmar Ambassador.
U Sein Htoon and son
U Sein Htoon and Ko Zeyar Linn form the Second Father and Son who are Past Captain and RUBC Gold.
U Sein Htoon was Cox of the RUBC crew — U Tin Htoon, Dr. Harry Saing, Victor Htun Shein and Sunny Teng — which won the Willingdon Tropy for Coxed Fours at the 1960 ARAE (Amateur Rowing Association of the East) Regatta at Colombo.
He is Past President of the Burma Rowing (later Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation).
Generations
On Facebook, I had correspondence from
* Hla Maw Tun (Son of Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun)
* Lin Tun (Son of U Tun Shein / Willie Saing)
.* Nay Myo Thura (Son of U Win Kyi and Grandson of my Sayama “Miss Hong Kong”)
* Son of U Tin Aung (Victor Wu)
At the YUBC 96th Anniversary Regatta, I met
Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and Hla Maw Tun
U Tin U, Dr. Myo Tint
U Sein Htoon, U Myo Myint and Zeyar Lin
Dr. Thein Hylne
U Tin Myint, U Hla Kyi and U Khin Maung Latt
U Tun Mra
U Thant Kyaw
Freesia Htun
Aung Kyaw Win (Son of Dr. Kyaw Win)
Aung Kyaw Zaw (Son of U Kyaw Zaw / Harry)
young member interested in Yangon Heritage Society
several Old and Not so old Members
RUBC turns Co-ed
RUBC only had male members from 1923 to 1963.
Ma Khin Mya (Susan, Eco, GBNF) and Ma Jill Gaudoin (RASU, spouse of Ko Pyi Aye) are some of the early female members of RUBC.
In the comments, Ma Jill said that she will send photos of her rowing days with Ko Pyi Aye when he visits Yangon in mid 2020. Thanks.
RIT, Education and IM also had female teams.
The photos and an article about the first regatta featuring female rowers appear in the 90th Anniversary Issue.
I posted photos provided by Ma Khin Mya in my newsletter updates, FB pages and my web site.
My Writings
I have paid back to my alma mater and my mentors by writing about the schools that I attended and sharing my knowledge and memories.
I was the last democratically elected EC member from the 1960s. The higher authorities denied me the Captaincy, but they could not dampen my spirit to honor the pioneers, the prime movers and the lovers of history.
Rangoon Boat Club (RBC) was a private club for mostly British and Anglo members.
Sir Arthur Eggar founded Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) to provide access to Burmese University students.
In the pre-war days, there were Inter Club Challenge matches between RBC and RUBC.
RUBC / YUBC
Rangoon University was founded on December 1, 1920 under the RU Act of 1920, and had Rangoon College and Judson College as the constiutent colleges.
RU had several Faculties : Arts, Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law …
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded in 1923.
In November 1964, the new Education System was established. Rangoon University was reorganized into RASU and several Institutes with their own Rectors. RUBC became Tekkatho Myar Hlay Hlaw Ah Thin (Rangoon Universities [and Institutes] Boat Club).
Female members were admitted in 1965 making RUBC a co-ed Club. Ma Khin Mya (Susan Lee, GBNF) and Ma Jill Gaudoin (spouse of Ko Pyi Aye) are some of the pioneer female members.
Following the mandatory name change, RUBC became YUBC.
Navy / Defense
Commodore Than Pe and Boh Hmu Maung Maung Than Tun helped establish the Navy / Defense Boat Club.
The first crew was made up of Navy men.
Sein Kyaing (Stroke)
Hla Khin (3)
Soe Wai (2)
Pe Thein (Bow, Judo)
P.O. (Petty Officer) San Myint (Cox)
Tin Soe replaced Pe Thein at Bow.
Additional members were recruited from Navy, Army … to represent the Defense Services Club.
Bohmu Dr. Hla Min (Eddie, RUBC Golden Cox) later coxed some Defense crews.
Burma proposed to have Rowing as an event in the 1961 SEAP Game. Presumably there was not enough quota. But the Defense Services team gained knowledge and expertise from the RUBC team (which had won two trophies from ARAE).
Ko Sein Kyaing later won several events in the National Championship. He managed to meet Sam Medora (ARAE Sculls Champion) and beat him in a friendly match.
Ko Hla Khin won a Silver medal in Yatching in the SEAP Games with Ko Tin Htoon (Past Captain and Gold of RUBC).
Ye Gyaung Lu Nge
Marine Youth Rowing Club provided access to high school students.
Several RUBC members learned rowing at Ye Gyaung Lu Nge.
Aye Lwin
Kyi Aye
Min Aung
Ronnie Tun Nyein
Wunna Sithu
Gyee Thaung
Tommy Htun Shein
Soe Win
Win Than Oo
Burma Rowing Federation
Commodore Than Pe, Bohmu Maung Maung Than Tun and some RUBC Executives helped found the Burma Rowing Federation.
Ko Sein Htoon is Past President of the Federation (which later included other forms of Rowing e.g. Burmese Laung, Canoe, Kayak …).
Miscellaneous
RUBC competed against Burmese Laung and the Inlay Lake rowers.
In the 1950s and 1960s, RUBC competed in Inter-Varsity races mostly with CURC (Calcutta University Rowing Club).
In the mid 1950s, RUBC invited CURC and Calcutta Lake Club to the Annual Regatta to compete for the President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights and the Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.
RUBC crews competed in the ARAE and FEARA Regattas.
I contributed a Prelude for each section in the 90th Anniversary Issue of the founding of RUBC.
I also wrote
RUBC Trivia
A Tribute to Ko Harry Saing
part of long articles
Hope the old and new members will compile a comprehensive history for the Centennial Celebrations in 2023.
The last Annual General Meeting (AGM) of RUBC took place in 1964. The following were elected.
Myo Tin (William Hone) : Captain
Htain Lin : Vice Captain
Zaw Lin : Secretary
Hla Min : Treasurer
Ko Myo Tin and Ko Htain Lin became RUBC Gold in 1962.
Since the two Tin Maung Lwin resigned, Ko Htain Lin ran for Vice Captain and Ko Zaw Lin ran for Secretary.
I ran for Treasurer.
I had to report to Professor William Paw (Commerce), Vice President.
Membership
The annual membership dues was Ten Kyats.
Those who had been members for five years are eligible to become Life Members.
There were some new members who had rowed at Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth).
Aye Lwin and Kyi Aye were among the top rowers from Ye Gyaung Lu Nge.
Training and Regattas
Ko Htain Lin is the son of Saya U Kyi (Forestry). He would bike to the club every day and take care of the training for novices.
With the help of volunteers, we had to organize the regattas.
Rag Regatta
Monsoon Regatta
Annual Regatta.
Rag Regatta is an all-day competition. I wrote about Rag Regatta in the newspapers. The father of Ko Khin Maung Aye (Novice) was elated thinking it was a prestigious event.
Winners of the novice event are seeded for the next regatta (usually the Monsoon Regatta).
Rag Regattas often has a special event
Captain’s crew versus Vice Captain’s crew
Executive Committee versus non-Officers
Except for the Coxed Eights which are rowed over 200 yards from Dubern Beach to RUBC, most events are rowed over 750 yards (for the Monsoon Regatta) and 1000 yards (for the Annual Regatta).
Drinks and snacks (samoosa) are offered at the Monsoon Regatta.
Catering is provided at the Annual Regatta (held on the Regatta Island).
RUBC members may also compete in the Independence Day Regatta and the National Championship.
Old Newsletter from the mid 1950s
In the mid 1950s RUBC had a newsletter edited by Ko Harry Saing. It had news, records and predictions about the regattas.
Three time winner of Senior Novices as crew and cox
In 1963, we matriculate from SPHS and attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone (Intermediate Collee of the University of Rngoon).
We joined RUBC.
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke)
Kyaw Wynn (3)
Hla Min (2)
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Myint Thein (Cox)
Willy’s older brother is Ko Johnny Soe Maung (Tin Soe). His younger brothers (Nyunt Soe, Chit Soe) and sisters (Sally Soe, Mary Soe, …) are Burma Selected in Swimming.
Kyaw Wynn is a cousin of Ko Mya Maung, Ko Tin Htut, Ko Than Toe and Dat Pon Ko Sann Aung.
My uncle, four cousins, my brother and two nephews are Past Captain and Gold.
Maung Maung Kyi’s younger brothers — Maung Maung Khant and Maung Maung Thant — rowed for Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth) while they were studying at St. Paul’s High School.
Ko Myint Thein’s elder brother (Ko Myo Myint) is RUBC Gold (1962).
We were Runner Up for Senior Novices.
We were awarded Full Green.
Club Office Bearers for 1963 – 64
Sithu U Tin (President)
U Po Zon (Vice President)
U Tha Htin (Vice President)
Prof. William Paw (Vice President)
Thaung Lwin (Captain)
Myo Tin (Vice Captain)
Tin Maung Lwin (1) (Secretary)
Tin Maung Lwin (2) (Treasurer)
There are two Tin Maung Lwin.
The Secretary is the brother of Tin Maung Latt.
The Treasurer is also known as Kenneth Lwin.
RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner
Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon compiled the RUBC history and records for the Commemorative Issue of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC. Several Old Members reviewed and provided feedback.
Citing security concerns, the Annual Regatta was cancelled by higher authorities.
Sithu U Tin gave the go ahead for the Annual Dinner to celebrate the 40th Anniversary at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
The President’s Challenge Cup (filled with cocktail) was passed around.
With the cool breeze, at least one attendee passed out before saying “Easy Oars”.
In 1963, we matriculate from SPHS and attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone (Intermediate Collee of the University of Rngoon).
We joined RUBC.
Willie Soe Maung (Myint Soe, Stroke)
Kyaw Wynn (3)
Hla Min (2)
Maung Maung Kyi (Bow)
Myint Thein (Cox)
Willy’s older brother is Ko Johnny Soe Maung (Tin Soe). His younger brothers (Nyunt Soe, Chit Soe) and sisters (Sally Soe, Mary Soe, …) are Burma Selected in Swimming.
Kyaw Wynn is a cousin of Ko Mya Maung, Ko Tin Htut, Ko Than Toe and Dat Pon Ko Sann Aung.
My uncle, four cousins, my brother and two nephews are Past Captain and Gold.
Maung Maung Kyi’s younger brothers — Maung Maung Khant and Maung Maung Thant — rowed for Ye Gyaung Lu Nge (Marine Youth) while they were studying at St. Paul’s High School.
Ko Myint Thein’s elder brother (Ko Myo Myint) is RUBC Gold (1962).
We were Runner Up for Senior Novices.
We were awarded Full Green.
Club Office Bearers for 1963 – 64
Sithu U Tin (President)
U Po Zon (Vice President)
U Tha Htin (Vice President)
Prof. William Paw (Vice President)
Thaung Lwin (Captain)
Myo Tin (Vice Captain)
Tin Maung Lwin (1) (Secretary)
Tin Maung Lwin (2) (Treasurer)
There are two Tin Maung Lwin.
The Secretary is the brother of Tin Maung Latt.
The Treasurer is also known as Kenneth Lwin.
RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner
Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon compiled the RUBC history and records for the Commemorative Issue of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC. Several Old Members reviewed and provided feedback.
Citing security concerns, the Annual Regatta was cancelled by higher authorities.
Sithu U Tin gave the go ahead for the Annual Dinner to celebrate the 40th Anniversary at a hotel in Kandawgyi.
The President’s Challenge Cup (filled with cocktail) was passed around.
With the cool breeze, at least one attendee passed out before saying “Easy Oars”.
Burma Athletics Association (BAA) has an outdoor stadium for Athletics and Soccer.
Later, it had indoor stadium(s).
The stadium was renamed Aung San Stadium to honor Bogyoke.
We had to march with the Marching Band from St. Paul’s High School (SPHS) to the Aung San stadium to perform Drill as part of the “Education Day” Celebrations.
Dennis Stevens (brother of my classmate George Stevens) played the Big Drum.
Twin brothers Bo Kyi and Bo Kyi were the drummers.
Jerry Hin Hwa, Orlando Thein, Win Maung and Bernard Taylor played selected musical instruments.
The First Division Football matches are played at Aung San Stadium. The teams include Rangoon University, Burma Railways, Customs, Army, Navy and several others. The bottom teams in the League get relegated to Second Division the following year.
My uncle U Win Tin (GBNF) took me to watch soccer matches. We watched selected matches (e.g. Dunlop Trophy) and some International matches (e.g. 2nd SEAP Games).
The Northern and Southern Stands cost about fifty pyas, but they provided limited scope and vision. But, they have roofs.
Grand Stand costs about five kyats. It would be a rare treat to watch from the Grand Stand (especially near the center line).
The Open Stand opposite the Grand Stand is a good compromise for about K1.50. We had to carry umbrella or wear raincoat for matches during the Rainy Season.
The Inter State and Division (ISD) Soccer tournament was established in 1952. Shan States with Suk Bahadhur won the inaugural tournament ISD Champions. Mandalay (with Ba Pu), Tennessarim (with Ko Ko Gyi), Irrawaddy (with Hla Htay) became Contenders and/or Champions. Many players were recruited by the First Division teams and some became Burma Selected.
HlaMin 