This weekend saw Cambridge victories against Oxford for all Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) crews in the Boat Races; the fourth ‘clean sweep’ in the Club’s history. 

Petrean Claire Collins was in the Women’s Blue Boat for the 79th Women’s Boat Race which began dramatically with an early clash. The Oxford crew had been warned about steered into Cambridge’s water so Umpire Matthew Pinsent called for a restart after the incident in the second minute of the race – with Cambridge given a third of a length lead. Both crews restarted well but Cambridge’s strength was undeniable, and they stormed to victory, winning by 2 and a half lengths, making this the eighth victory in a row for the Women’s Blue Boat. 

On the Boat Race’s Instagram, Claire Collins spoke of the incredible platform that the Boat Race provides for female athletes, and the mutual respect which exists amid competitive rivalry: “On race day there’s still competition but we’re constantly in these environments where you’re able to switch that on and also respect and admire and celebrate the other athletes you’re competing against.” 

A record breaking five Petreans were in the men’s Blue Boat: James Robson, George Bourne, Gabriel Mahler, Simon Hatcher and Men’s President, Luca Ferraro. The 170th Men’s Boat Race began at a slightly delayed time due to reports of debris in the water, but it did nothing to stop the crew from executing what CUBC describe as a “near-perfect race” – winning in the end by 5 and a half lengths and 17 seconds ahead of Oxford.  

The Men's and Women's Reserve Crews, Blondie and Goldie, also won their races - completing the clean sweep of victories from CUBC this year. 

Luca Ferraro said to BBC One: “It’s been a great weekend for Cambridge. Something really special is happening out of our boathouse. I am just so proud of all of our teams. It’s such a great place to be.”

Read more on the CUBC website