In April this year, the 153rd Boat Race portrayed Oxford as very much the underdogs; a younger less experienced
crew racing an extremely experienced Cambridge crew whose members included two World Champions and one Olympic gold
medallist. The pundits predicted a procession where Cambridge would win by many lengths. However, in line with many
stories of David and Goliath proportions, our coach, Sean Bowden produced an Oxford crew who, on the day, thrilled
the spectators with a classic Boat Race contest losing by just more than a length.
This year the OUBC saw the completion and official opening of the new boathouse. This world class facility at
Wallingford not only provides a base for current squads, but also symbolises a home for Oxford University rowing.
The completion of this wonderful facility was the result of the combined efforts of the current OUBC staff and our
large extended family of Old Blues who take a very active role in supporting the club. For this I wish to extend my
sincere appreciation and grateful thanks for their continued commitment which has resulted in the club being in the
very fortunate position it is in today.
Over the years the OUBC has seen many talented academic oarsmen who have passed through the squad and progressed
to represent their own countries. As we approach the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we shall no doubt see many Old Blues
lining up on the start line of the Olympic regatta.
I am very honoured to become the next President of the Oxford University Boat Club for the 154th Boat Race. With
the completion of the new boat house and the ever expanding profile of rowing and The Boat Race, being part of the
OUBC has been an incredibly unique and indeed exciting experience. I now invite you to join me in the quest for an
Oxford victory on March 29, 2008. The six month journey to the race begins on 18 September 2007. If you think you
have the dedication and the determination to meet the challenge then please join us.
