“Rowing is at the pinnacle of a rounded Cambridge education, where students gain the tools, habits and attitudes that set them up for life. I would like to make it clear that education at Cambridge includes everything as part of the student experience, not just academics. Anybody who says you’re here for a degree and that alone is quite simply wrong.”
Graham Virgo, former Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Master of Downing College, and President of Downing College Boat Club.
From learning to row, through to racing in the adrenaline-fuelled Bumps and Tideway Heads, being part of Downing College Boat Club is an unrivalled experience. We are consistently one of the most successful clubs on the Cam, with both Men’s and Women’s 1st VIIIs currently in the top five in the Lents and top nine in the Mays. We also field several other VIIIs every year, allowing for a variety of levels of ability and commitment, and a thriving social scene.
We are hugely indebted to our alumni, who continue to provide us with financial support, allowing us to maintain our world class facilities and equipment, in addition to being the home of the Cambridge Rowing Tank. Returning to coach us year upon year, they epitomise the DCBC spirit – a perfect example of just how important the club is to its members, both old and new. Recently they fielded two Segreant crews at the Head of the Charles. The video of the trip can be watched below:
Our boatman Ian Watson, a former world silver medallist, is also fundamental in providing expert coaching and advice to the captains. The strong team atmosphere and friendly nature of the club means it continues to achieve excellent results, and provides a refreshing and enjoyable experience to all its members. Please find our current committee here!
Take a look around to find out our latest results for the year so far, or a page with all of our previous results too, as well as to learn more about the club, how to join, and galleries of lots of our past races and events.
