START OF TERM:

The start of this Michelmas term has been unlike any I have had in my time
at Downing. The senior squad has been in training for 5 weeks, has gone away
to race and is preparing to fly to America to compete in the Head of the
Charles Regatta and we’re only a week into full term!

The Squad and Early Training

As many of you are aware last year saw a very mature squad with many of
those making up the 1st and 2nd May Boats being 3rd or 4th year students.
However those who return to the squad have stepped up to the task with
exceptional vigour in everything from singles to quads to eights eliciting
some surprisingly positive feedback on the bank.

In particular the Head of the Charles four (Robert Clarke, Ed Saunders, Marc
Exton-McGuinness and Oliver Lupton) has shown very early on how competitive
it can be with early racing last weekend at Bedford seeing us finish second
in IM2 to a strong Star Crew and more importantly finishing ahead of the
Fitzwilliam IV who have been together throughout the summer.

Yet it is not only the returning squad who show promise; the squad has been
strengthened with the addition of freshmen Felix Wood (GB, Abingdon School)
and Jamie Logie (KCS Wimbeldon and Molesey). Moreover, the Captain of Boats
Craig Sawyer returns from injury to add power and experience to create a
very formidable pair of IVs for the University IVs races and Fullers Fours
Head where Downing will send two IVs for the first time in a number of
years.

Head of the Charles Regatta

The obvious focus right now though is of course the Head of the Charles
Regatta for which the four leave today. Competing on such an international
stage not only provides our oarsmen with an exceptional experience but also
acts to give the entire club an immense sense of pride and ambition which
are key as we attempt to return to where we belong in the bumping races and
on a national level. Furthermore it is a perfect opportunity to expose our
American cousins to the college and hopefully lure some oarsmen to DCBC for
the next few years.

This Term

It is key however that we do not forget there is much racing to be had this
term can provide a great opportunity for the senior squad and 1st VIII to
come together in preparation of retaking both the Fairbairns and Lent
Headships.