Despite the uncertainties caused by ongoing COVID restrictions, and the cancellation of the annual May Bumps competition, QCBC had a busy end to the academic year!
This began with W1’s success at their first off-Cam race of the season: the Marlow Regatta on Saturday 19th June. After an excellent race in the time trial, Queens’ W1 qualified for the C final. The crew maintained a high rate throughout the race and finished in an impressive 3rd place, crossing the line just 0.8 seconds behind Marlow Rowing Club.
The very next day, W1 were back in action alongside four other Queens’ boats (M1, M2, W2 and NW1) for the Getting On Race for the June Eights Regatta. Under normal circumstances only the lower boats have to qualify for Bumps but, due to the side-by-side racing format used this year, all crews were required to compete in the Getting On Race. Unfortunately, due to COVID isolation, our NM1 crew had to withdraw from the competition, despite a successful term of training.
The first day of the regatta saw wins for W1, M2 and W2. The second day was equally as successful, with wins for M1, M2 and W2! NW1 also boasted a strong lead over Christ’s NW2 in a friendly race, after both colleges’ opponents had to scratch due to COVID. QCBC took another three wins on the penultimate day of the regatta.This meant that W2, after their third win of the week, were on track for blades! However, on the last day, the crew had a tough race against Caius Boat Club and narrowly missed out on a fourth win. Our other crews also suffered losses on the final day of competition, although NW1 were granted a win after a rival crew scratched. Overall, after some fantastic racing across the four days of competition, each crew ended the week with two wins and two losses, apart from W2 with their three wins and one loss!
Following this exciting end to the season for QCBC, our rowers have been training hard over the summer months. Our Captains, Anna and Freddie, have been running a weekly virtual circuits session to keep everyone connected, whilst our summer training competition is keeping members motivated and eager to get back on the water. We’re also looking forward to welcoming new JCR and MCR members to the club in Michaelmas!
To keep up to date with the latest news, follow the club on Facebook at Queens College Boat Club and Instagram @queensboatclub.
