FINAL THOUGHTS
Lucy Havard
CUBC Women’s President
2025 has been quite a season. We have had some exceptional athletes with international experience join the squad, as well as several seasoned returners, and plenty of rowers from our college development programme. The greatest challenge was always going to be getting this wonderful group of strong and determined women – coming from all over the world and all sorts of different training programmes – on the same page.
In this squad everyone has a part to play, and this is something that has been ingrained in our culture from day one of the season back in September. Our spares, reserve boat (‘Blondie’), supporters and alumni have all urged our Blue Boat on, giving them the support they need and pushing them to make them faster. Blood, sweat and tears have been shed to make this an unforgettable season.
Thank you to our wonderful coaches, Paddy Ryan, Matilda Horn and Jo Lee, as well as our fantastic volunteer coaches, Mike Taylor and Patrick Neininger. You have shared every rainy, dark and cold morning in Ely with us, as well as the beautiful sunrises – we are so grateful for your time, patience and dedication.
It has been an honour to lead the women of CUBC this year and a pleasure to work alongside the Men’s President, Luca Ferraro, and the Lightweight Presidents, Madeline Jackson and Gianluca Maffi. You are all inspiring and have played a critical role in how CUBC truly functions as ‘one club’.
The Boat Race is unique: two boats, one racing line, one victorious crew; steeped in history, and all at the mercy of the unpredictable Tideway. I’m so excited to see what we can do on Sunday 13 April 2025