DUBC Up Against The Cambridge Blue Boats

Durham University Boat Club (DUBC) were offered the opportunity to travel down south at the end of January, for some side-by-side competition against Cambridge University Boat Club, in preparation for the upcoming Boat Race. The opportunity was a great honour for both squads, as never before has DUBC been invited down to partake in the Boat Race fixtures; a testament to the athletes’ recent successes at head races and regattas. It was enormously valuable not only in terms of racing experience, but also in establishing personal networks between athletes and coaches. As a result, the club hope this marks the beginning of a regular event in the DUBC annual calendar. 

As for the racing itself, Cambridge unsurprisingly demonstrated their strength and speed immediately. Durham's men’s First VIII raced the blue boat over two 3km pieces, performing admirably and giving the Cambridge crew a bit of a dogfight down the Ely straight. Likewise, the women’s first VIII came up against a strong coxed four, comprised of half of the Goldie boat as the Cambridge women were unavailable.  Although victory belonged to the light blues that weekend, the men and women put on a promising display of speed.

Durham University Boat Club are very grateful for the efforts of their coaches, Rob and Will, for organising this event and being responsible for the transport of equipment. Additionally, we thank CUBC for accommodating our athletes and we wish them all the best for the Boat Race. For our athletes back in Durham, however, it’s back to the grind with GB u23 trials coming up as well as BUCS Head, WeHorr and Horr. It’s a busy time here at DUBC but an exciting one no less.

For a full review and to keep up-to-date with the Boat Club's endeavours, visit their website here.