12/03/2025
Day 1 started off with a bang! Both our M1 and W1 scored a bump, putting them in an excellent position for the next couple of days. We've got some thoughts directly from the bow of both boats about yesterday's race: ⬇️
Simeon + Cory (M1): "With a gust of tail wind right at the start and an initial scare that Maggies M3 were slightly gaining on us, the whole crew knew this was not going to be an easy bump. As we rowed on, we saw our chasers signalling their concession but were yet to hear even the first whistle from our bank party. We keep rowing and rowing. Legs, backs, arms, not sure how much longer we have to keep going and if our tanks are even full enough. Just as we reach the plow, however, we hear the first whistle and as we come around grassy corner we hear it again, and then a second. The crew’s adrenaline spiked immediately and we picked up the speed and overtook our rivals."
Ciara (W1): "Thrilling! That’s the only word to describe my first-ever Bumps race, especially as we successfully bumped our Downing W2 opposition! The adrenaline hit the moment the cannon sounded (a little early, while I was still tapping up!), but we powered through with a strong start, immediately gaining nearly half a boat length. Then came the faster and louder whistles, until finally, we bumped! The rush was incredible, made even better by the cheers from my boatmates, the bank party, and the crowd along the river."
Annabelle (W1): "Today felt great and was a fantastic start to this lents bumps campaign - not only due to the amount of sunshine we got against all odds! There was a lot of excitement in the boat rowing up, but once the canon went off we locked in and went strong right from the start. Our most crucial moment during the race was probably right before getting the bump when we recovered calmly and quickly after a tricky situation, which really showed the boat at its peak performance. We then closed the door on Downing W2 in the gut, just after first post corner."
YEAH Clare Hall! 🖤💛❤️
