Rowing News

After more than a year of reduced and modified rowing due to the pandemic, Clare Hall Boat Club returned in force to the river in 2021. Almost 50 people attended induction in October, and many learned to row for the first time over the following weeks.

Michaelmas Term saw the return of the traditional novice races, such as Emma Sprints where our men’s and women’s crews dressed up as Waldo and pirates, respectively, and Winter Head to finish off the term just before break. Some of our veteran men also entered a four-person boat in Fairbairns and competed well against much larger colleges.

Lent Term brought the first Bumps racing in two years, and it was great to see CHBC once again alongside all the other colleges in the glorious chaos that is a Bumps race. While both the men’s and women’s crews put up fantastic fights against powerful opponents in less than ideal weather conditions, neither was able to move up in their respective divisions.

The pleasant weather of Easter Term brought the crews together on their way to May Bumps and the pinnacle of rowing on the Cam. With the success of previous years having put both crews in Division 3 at the start, the competition was expected to be steep. Despite rowing at their best, the women’s crew succumbed to impressive crews and got knocked down several slots. The men’s crew fared better, coming tantalisingly close to an overbump on day 2 and fighting their way to a bump on day 3, before ultimately succumbing on day 4. All in all, the men’s crew has maintained their highest ranking in history – firmly establishing Clare Hall in Cam rowing.

Lent and Easter Terms also included a renewed fundraising campaign for a new fleet of CHBC boats. What started as a goal to replace one of our boats with a younger used boat was transformed into a successful bid to buy two new boats, thanks to the overwhelming support from Clare Hall and the staggering generosity of our donors. We are hugely grateful for the support we have received in ensuring the continuation of CHBC into the future. Rowing has been central to the Cambridge experience for countless people who have passed through

Clare Hall, and we are poised to continue that legacy through the wonderful, fortifying support. Thank you.

The shutdown of the pandemic was hard on all boat clubs, but as the smallest college with competitive crews of both men and women, we were in a particularly tenuous position. Fortunately, we not only survived the hiatus but returned to the strength and openness of the community established under previous leadership. This is a credit to all involved. CHBC is a tight-knit group of like-minded individuals who relish every opportunity to be on the Cam, and yearly welcome newcomers to discover their passion for rowing. As a pillar of Clare Hall, we are dedicated to offering a uniquely open and inclusive atmosphere for students and Fellows to begin rowing and progress to the pinnacle of Cambridge rowing through the Bumps races.

Timo Haber on behalf of your CHBC Committee CHBC President 2021-22