A record-breaking Summer Eights for Exeter College Boat Club
Summer Eights 2026 was a record-breaking year for Exeter College Boat Club, with successes all round.
Making up for the rain-induced lack of training last term, we hit the ground running with eight training crews. Unfortunately, two failed to qualify for VIIIs, but not to be discouraged, many of them jumped into the lower boats as substitutes throughout the week.
This meant that this year ECBC was able to field six boats for Summer VIIIs, a testament to all the hard work and dedication from our captains, Ophelia Robinson Beesley (2024, Modern Languages and Linguistics) and Matt Stone (2024, Earth Sciences).
Our O3, with its large alumni contingent, had a gruelling start to the week with a double row over and bump down. However, they returned with a fiery vengeance to go plus two on Friday up into division VI. Alas, a bump on Saturday sent them back down to division VII, with a net equal position over the week.
O3 Crew
The W3 also had a variable week, again skirting the top of division VII, but ended up finishing minus two overall. That said, many of the crew had only picked up rowing this term, so they certainly held their own throughout the week.
W3 Crew
The O2 started off flying with two bumps in two days to put them into Division IV. However, on the third day they missed a bump on Queen’s by mere inches. Nevertheless, that did not discourage them and the crew returned on Saturday with vengeance to get the bump just out the gut. This put the O2 plus three overall, the highest they’ve been since 2013, and once again in fixed divisions, an incredible achievement for the club.
O2 Crew
Unfortunately, the W2 did not fare as well, with four days of fiercely fought bumps racing resulting in them landing minus four overall to obtain the (not so) coveted spoons. This hasn’t stopped them however, as we’ve already seen the crew members back out on the water. Starting next year’s training early!
W2 Crew
The O1, building on the strong results in previous races this year, had a phenomenal VIIIs once again. After some well fought bumps they achieved the highest (non-Headship) blades on the river for the second year running, storming up division two to put them within striking distance of the first division next year.
O1 Crew
The W1 also had a fantastic campaign, with two bumps and a row over on the first three days. Unfortunately, the third day was cut short by a klaxon just seconds away from their bump. The chaos sadly brought a penalty bump for the boat. Nevertheless, the crew still went plus one to finish the highest they have ever finished on the river and just three bumps away from Division 1. Huge congratulations to the W1!
W1 Crew
We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the alumni, coaches, and all those who came down to support. And of course, to all the coxes and rowers, whose steadfast commitment has driven ECBC’s success this year. It’s now time for Exeter to turn our eyes to Division I.
