2026 Fixture Series: CUBC Women in action against Thames
On Sunday 18 January, the CUBC Women faced Thames Rowing Club in their first fixture ahead of The Boat Race 2026. In clear weather conditions it was a learning experience for Cambridge overall, who now return to Ely to continue preparations ahead 3-4 April.
Cambridge ‘A’ v Thames ‘A’
Result: First piece to Cambridge by 1 1/2 lengths, second piece to Thames by 1 1/4 lengths
Race Report: Toni Galland
Our first fixture of the year was a great opportunity for us to implement the changes we have made since Trial Eights, during Training Camp in Sabaudia. Up against Thames A, the Blue Boat raced two very competitive half-course pieces, from The Boat Race start to Eyot. Cambridge won the coin toss and chose the Surrey station for the first piece, the stations then switched the second time around.
Starting the first piece, Thames got out the blocks quickly getting ahead by half a length which they held for the first kilometre. In response, the Cambridge crew stayed internal and moved through Thames A by the Hammersmith bend, driving a long and steady rhythm that got them ahead after the bend. The final margin was a length and a half of open water, leaving the crew excited for the second piece.
The second piece began approximately 200m further down the course. Determined to hold Thames at the start this time around, the crew got off the blocks more quickly than previously. Thames had the inside bend at Hammersmith, moving very determinately through the choppy water. The Cambridge crew weren’t quite able to find the same rhythm they found in the first piece, with the piece ending with a lead for Thames of a length and a quarter.
The fixture was a great opportunity for some close side by side racing on The Boat Race course and we would like to thank Thames for racing us.
Cambridge ‘B’ v Thames ‘B’
Result: First piece to Thames by 1 length, second piece to Thames by 2 seats
Race Report: Eloise Etherington
In the first fixture of the year, Blondie faced off against Thames ‘B’ in 2 half-course pieces. Although a mild and relatively calm day, the racing boats and launches ahead produced plenty of wash, providing a great opportunity to test our rhythm in Tideway conditions.
It was lovely to see some recent alumni as we boated, a huge thank you to everyone that came down to watch and help! After a solid warm up, and the prior races setting off, we quickly aligned to start as the Uber boat approached to dock.
The first piece took place from The Boat Race start to the Eyot, approximately 3.5k, with Cambridge winning the toss and choosing Surrey. A strong start from Thames saw them take an early lead, which extended to clear water as they capitalised on their early advantage of the Middlesex station. With both crews punching through the waves into Hammersmith, Cambridge started to move back round the Surrey bend, and a step on in the last 500 closed the gap to a length.
After a quick chat and, of course, some boat snacks, it was time for piece two – this time starting from Westminster, approximately 3k total. Both crews flew off the blocks, and Thames again capitalised on their early bend to gain half a length. But Cambridge were on the attack, pressing out onto a consistent rhythm to start inching back towards Hammersmith. A push through the bridge saw Cambridge surge and close the gap to one seat coming into the closing stages, but it was Thames that held on through the final 100m to stay up and take the win by 2 seats.
It was an awesome day of racing, and a great start to the fixture series – thank you to the umpires, and, of course, to Thames for the competition and continued use of the boathouse!
Cambridge Lightweights v Thames ‘C’
Result: First piece to Thames by 3/4 length, second piece to Cambridge by 4 lengths
Race Report: Zara Bek
We were thrilled to have our first official opportunity to race side-by-side against another club this season! The morning’s pre-paddle in the moonlight featured some dynamic starts that heightened our anticipation for the races later in the day. The red boards indicated that both pieces would have to take place in the first half of the course toward the Eyot, set against overcast skies and lively tides that threw waves at us around Hammersmith.
During the first piece, we occupied the Middlesex station. The flag went down, and Thames showed their power and speed right from the start. With resilience, and under the expert guidance of our cox, we did not back off, and surged ahead to establish a two-seat lead. Coming around Surrey bend, Thames capitalised on the advantage, maintaining it fiercely until the finish. We were proud at how our lightweight crew had exhibited composure and unity, showcasing everything we had been practicing.
The real excitement began when we swapped stations with Thames, fully aware that we could claim the win if we leveraged the Surrey advantage effectively. As conditions continued to worsen, we fought back with a renewed rhythm and determination, establishing a clear lead before Hammersmith Bridge. Our cox’s brave and precise steering were pivotal to our swift success. Not satisfied with clear water, we rowed with might until the last stroke to maximize our margin.
We extend our deep gratitude to Thames Rowing Club for an excellent race and invaluable practice in challenging conditions!
Please note: all crews are provisional until crew announcements take place from 12-17 March. The following crews may not represent the crews for the The Boat Race.