Summer Eights saw our Boat Club in fine fettle with some history-making rowing from the Women’s 1st VIII. We’re delighted to share the crews’ reports below.
Women’s 1
It has been an outstanding campaign, and an outstanding year as a whole, for our W1. Following on from their Torpids victory, the crew have won Blades again this Summer VIIIs, making it the first year in QCBC history for a women’s boat to get double blades. The hard work put in by these nine women is commendable, their unfailing dedication to, and love of, the sport no doubt securing their title of double blades winners. Their new Hudson boat, christened Queen Elizabeth II by the Chaplain on the morning of their last race, could not have been put to better use. This crew is one to watch.
Men’s 1
M1 displayed resilience in their rows this VIIIs, fighting through a difficult week having lost their two seat to injury midway through the campaign. On the second day, the crew chased down Merton M1 with vigour and secured contact on their opponents. Unfortunately, due to a lack of concession from the other crew and an appeals process that fell through, this bump was not recorded, but this has only spurred them on to come back with vengeance next year.
Women’s 2
W2 carried on their impressive show from last term’s Torpids, securing three strong bumps on Osler II, Merton II and Oriel III. The talent of QCBC’s women’s side throughout the depths of their squad, not just W1, is evidenced by the skill and dedication of these members who will surely go on to do great things for the club.
Men’s 2
M2 have been training hard since Torpids, really coming into their own this Summer VIIIs. The crew successfully rowed over twice, but unfortunately were robbed of their bump on Merton M2 at the last second when the boat’s steering broke mid-race. The crew promises to continue on the upwards trajectory they have displayed this year.
Women’s 3
Being the first time a Queen’s W3 has qualified for VIIIs since 2006, this term’s campaign was already a momentous achievement for the club. The week proved to be an impressive display with the crew bumping on their first day – the fact that they are fairly novice not holding them back at all.
Men’s 3
Our trusty beer boat M3 put down their pints and picked up their oars to make a splash on the river in VIIIs. With experience in the stern, and watts and a can-do attitude in the bows, the boys really came together as a crew throughout the week, managing to secure themselves a bump on the final day of VIIIs.
Photography by Al Craigie and Gareth Ardron
