On October 19, 2024, Durham University Boat Club (DUBC) alumni took on the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts, representing both DUBC and the 1877 Club. This year marked the first time a DUBC crew has ever raced in the United States, setting a historic precedent for the club.
A squad of nine dedicated DUBC alumni, with the thankful support of Phillips Academy, Andover, made the journey to Boston to compete in the Alumni 8+ category. The crew, consisting of Oscar Mulvin, Dom Newton, Callum Betteley, Gus John, James Watson-Gandy, Ollie Pearson, Andrew Mettrick, Aaron Smith, and Jude Richards, was a team of recent alumni (2020–2024) brought together by a shared passion for the club and fond memories. This trip was set into motion through connections made with Riverside Boat Club members at Henley Royal Regatta, who extended an invitation for DUBC to race in the U.S.
After flying out on October 12, the crew spent a week training at Andover, rowing on the Merrimack River to prepare for the race and adjust to new conditions. Following their initial training, the crew trailered down to Boston for further preparation on the Charles River, familiarising themselves with the course.
The race was fierce, facing both top U.S. alumni programs from prestigious colleges like Harvard, Brown, Washington, and Princeton, alongside a strong Blue Star crew featuring recent Olympic medalist James Rudkin alongside a host of Newcastle alumni. Despite starting 42nd in a field of 47 crews, we performed exceptionally well, finishing 7th in the Alumni 8+ category and securing a lead of 4.37 seconds over Blue Star. In the process, we overtook 6 crews and secured a top-10 finish despite several scrapes with other crews along the way.
The DUBC crew was the fastest crew in the Alumni 8+ category not to feature an Olympian, highlighting the high standard of the event and unity amongst the athletes. The experience was a testament to the enduring friendships and strong bonds forged within DUBC, as well as a promising start to what the crew hopes will become a long-standing tradition of the 1877 Club racing both in the UK and overseas.
The crew was incredibly grateful for the unwavering support they received from DUBC and the broader alumni network. The alumni WhatsApp group was full of encouragement and excitement throughout the time spent in Boston.
Reflecting on the experience, the crew expressed excitement about the potential for annual participation in the Head of the Charles, marking it as a fantastic opportunity for alumni to continue representing DUBC internationally.
This remarkable achievement and thrilling experience serve as another proud chapter in DUBC’s history, exemplifying the club’s spirit and commitment to excellence on and off the water.