Early Michaelmas Term 2025
OVERVIEW
Chiara Dell’Orfanello (President)
After a successful May Bumps campaign last term, I am looking forward to seeing our continued upwards trajectory! As this new year approaches we are already busy making plans. However, during the summer months QCBC has been just as active as it is during term time.
CUBC DEV SQUAD
Two of our W1 rowers had the exciting opportunity to join the CUBC Women’s Summer Development Squad this July. Training took place at Ely, where they spent several weeks rowing alongside athletes from across the University, building fitness, sharpening technique, and experiencing the intensity of high-level training. The programme was designed to prepare crews for competition at the British Rowing Championships, and our athletes embraced the challenge with commitment and determination.
The experience was invaluable: not only did they develop their technical skills and confidence in the boat, but they also gained insight into the standards and expectations of rowing at the next level. Their hard work paid off when they raced in the Championships, where Queens’ earned recognition by medaling in the 4+ category. We are incredibly proud of their achievements, and grateful for the way they have represented QCBC on a bigger stage.
HOSTING ROWING WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIPS MEDIA AMBASSADOR
On 12th September, Queens’ College Boat Club had the honour of welcoming Hu Bing – international supermodel, actor, and official media ambassador for the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai – to the River Cam. Hu Bing, known globally for his career in fashion and film, is also a passionate advocate for sport and fitness. Keen to experience rowing in Cambridge, he joined QCBC for a morning on the water under the guidance of our coach, Matilde Duarte. After a short introduction on the ergs, Hu Bing took to the river with our crew in an eight. Despite being away from the sport for around 30 years, he quickly picked up the rhythm and rowed with enthusiasm and humour. His warmth made the outing unforgettable, and he showed a genuine curiosity for the discipline and teamwork rowing demands.
For QCBC, it was a privilege to host Hu Bing and to share with him the spirit of rowing on the Cam. As the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai approach, we are proud to have played a small part in his ambassadorial journey.
1828 SOCIETY
Following on from the success of last year, we are delighted to continue the work of previous committees by building up QCBC’s official alumni society. Managed in partnership with the Queens’ Alumni & Development Office, the society proudly takes its name from our founding year, 1828. The initiative was launched to strengthen the link between past and present members of the club, and thanks to the generosity of those who have already joined, we are now able to keep this momentum going. With a contribution of £18.28 per month, quarter, or year, the society helps us to fund alumni events and foster a lasting community around the boat club.
As part of this, we will once again be hosting a drinks reception in the OSCR for 1828 members, alongside our Fairbairn’s celebration drinks in Old Hall for students, on Friday 5th December 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for alumni and current rowers to meet, share experiences, and celebrate together. We warmly encourage new members to join as we grow this initiative, which we hope will, in time, also contribute towards equipment and coaching costs. If you are interested in joining, please contact me or Emily Walsh in the Alumni Office at development@queens.cam.ac.uk.
QERGS
On Sunday 2nd November 2025, Queens’ College Boat Club will once again host QERGs, our annual indoor rowing competition and one of the biggest student-run sporting events in Cambridge. Each year, nearly 1,000 competitors from across the University – from seasoned athletes to first-time novices – come together in the Queens’ Sports Hall for a day of high-energy relay racing on the RowErg machines. The event has become a real highlight of Michaelmas Term, combining competitive spirit with a fantastic atmosphere that showcases the inclusivity and community of Cambridge rowing.
This year promises to be our biggest yet. We are delighted to be working with a number of new sponsors, whose support allows us to keep expanding QERGs and providing the best possible experience for participants. Full details of our partners will be announced over the coming weeks on our Instagram (@queensboatclub) and Facebook pages, so do keep an eye out. Whether you are racing, supporting friends, or simply looking for a great day of sport, QERGs 2025 is set to be an event not to miss. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there, cheering on competitors and celebrating rowing in true QCBC style
