Emmanuel Boat Club

Slipping through time, let’s journey back to 1827. The River Cam whispers secrets as we stand before the Emmanuel Boat Club. Founded in that very year, the Emmanuel Boat Club, or “Emma” or “EBC” as it’s affectionately known, has witnessed generations of Emmanuel College rowers grace its waters. The club’s history is etched into the Cam itself. The men’s 1st VIII has impressively held its position in the first division of both the Lent and May Bumps for a good half-century. Yet, their journey hasn’t been without its dips. They’ve seen lows, like 21st in the May Bumps during the 1930s. They even plummeted to 28th in the Lent Bumps in the late 19th century. But triumph has also been theirs. In 1930, they seized the headship in the Lent Bumps. A near-victory came in 2001, reaching 1st but missing the headship due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Undeterred, they claimed the May Bumps headship that same year, bumping Caius on day two. The women’s team at Emmanuel Boat Club boasts an extraordinary record. They’ve clinched the Lent Bumps headship a remarkable 11 times, starting in 1988 and continuing until 2009, surpassing all other women’s boat clubs. Their May Bumps headship count stands at four, starting in 1995. For an astonishing period from 1988 to 2005, their 1st VIII remained in the Lent Bumps top three, and from 1994 to 2004, they stayed within the May Bumps top two. More recently, both the men’s and women’s first boats achieved “blades” in 2017, starting second and seventh respectively in 2018. This double achievement was a milestone, only the second time in Emmanuel Boat Club’s history. A testament to their strength, the men’s team hasn’t risen above 7th in the May Bumps since 2003. Even beyond the Cam, Emmanuel Boat Club’s prowess extends to Henley Royal Regatta, with victories in the Diamond Challenge Sculls in 1887 and the Thames Challenge Cup in 1896. Emmanuel Boat Club stands as more than just a boathouse. It’s a living testament to dedication, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence on the water.