Lent Bumps 2024: Rowing report

Side-by-side racing is not possible over a long distance on the narrow and winding River Cam so, as the Cambridge University Boat Club website explains, bumps races were introduced in the early 19th century as an exciting alternative. A crew can secure a bump (and go up one position) if they catch the boat in front and earn their blades by bumping on each day of racing. The first bumping race of the year is held during Lent Term (Lent Bumps) and the second is held at the end of Easter Term (May Bumps).

After a historic set of results from our rowers last June, all eyes were on the River Cam for Lent Bumps (27 February–2 March). Bumps this year was a week earlier than usual and the lead up was less than ideal due to all the rainfall. There were more yellow flags than green, making it almost impossible for our lower boats to go out on the water. 

Despite the disruptions the weather caused, four crews represented St Catharine’s across five days of races. The second boats (W2 and M2) were comprised of mainly novices from Michaelmas term, so it was their first introduction to bumps and they handled racing extremely well. The women’s first eight (W1) and men’s first eight (M1) had a very successful campaign; W1 achieved blades for the second time after May Bumps 2023, and M1 went up 3 places with their best Lent results since 2019.  

Getting-On Race

Each set of Bumps (Lents and Mays) have a Getting-On Race; this provides an opportunity for lower boats to ‘get-on’. The amount of boats that have to get on is dependent on the number of entries. This year this element of Bumps was cancelled due to unsafe river conditions. It was very unfortunate, however our third boat rowers are still keen to get on the water and have their chance to shine in May Bumps. 

Carmen Failla, Head Rowing Coach & Boathouse Manager at St Catharine’s, said: 

“The third boats have remained enthusiastic throughout a very tough term of not really getting on the water and for that I am very grateful and proud. I am excited to see them on the water more and even more so to race next term!”

W1: Up 4 positions (blades) 

W1 bumped every day of Lent Bumps to finish in 13^th position, after starting the week at the very bottom of the first division. They also earned blades by bumping Peterhouse W1 (day 2), Queens’ W1 (day 3), Christ’s Q1 (day 4) and Queens’ W1 again (day 5). Each bump was made before First Post Corner.

M1: Up 3 positions

M1 started the races in 15^th position in the first division (their lowest starting position since 2013) but were able to gain ground and finished the week in twelfth position. They bumped Lady Margaret M2 (day 2), King’s M1 (day 4) and Queens’ M1 (day 5), which is their best result in Lent Bumps since 2019.

M2: Down 2 positions

M2 had the misfortune of starting the week in tenth place in the third division, ahead of two crews (Lucy Cavendish M1 and Selwyn M2) who would go on to earn blades and bumped M2 in the process (on day 1 and day 2, respectively). The crew fought hard on the final days of racing and finished in twelfth place. 

W2: Down 3 positions

W2 started the week in ninth position in the third division, but were caught by Clare Hall W1 (day 1), Addenbrooke’s W1 (day 4) and Anglia Ruskin W1 (day 5) and finished in twelfth position. 

Carmen added, “It has been tough term due to the weather conditions. The huge amount of rainfall flooded the river for the majority of term causing challenging rowing conditions. Despite this, I have been so impressed at the commitment to training, land and/or water, from all crews. The Boat Club has worked together to keep enthusiasm high and enjoyed training despite non-ideal circumstances. Roll on May Bumps!”