It has been a record-breaking May Bumps campaign with Eddies securing the much sought after Pegasus Cup.
The annual May Bumps provided much excitement for all three SECBC boats, with our crews winning every single one of their races throughout the week, resulting in an historic clean sweep, making 2025 the most successful year for rowing at St Edmund’s College.
Both M1 and M2 crews bumped four times over the week winning coveted “blades”, whilst the W1 crew bumped five times by virtue of also bumping up into a higher division and so achieving rare “superblades” status.
Overall SECBC secured 13 out of 13 race wins and was awarded the prestigious Pegasus Cup. The Cup, provided by Richard Naisby of Milton Brewery, is awarded to the most successful Boat Club competing in the May Bumps Races.
The May Bumps is an annual racing tradition which evolved on the river Cam during the 1820s. Involving crews from all 31 Colleges, it allows hotly contended races on a short stretch of river most of which is too narrow or not straight enough to permit more conventional side-by-side regatta racing.
SECBC President/Treasurer 2024/25, Kathy Begley said:
“Having been President of SECBC for the last two years, it has been an absolute privilege to watch the club go from strength to strength and I am so proud to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition. In the words of Matt Heywood “NOW YOU KNOW!”
“I must thank our committee of 2024/25 and in particular our captains, Justin Wei and Shannon O’Shea, who have made the successes of this year possible – you did it! Absolute heroes! I would also like to thank our W2 crew who sadly missed out on the GOR by just 2s but their support on the bank during the week was hugely appreciated by us all. Your time will come, of that I have no doubt.”
“Finally, a most heartfelt thank you from me to our Honorary Presidents Paul Luzio, Lily Bacon and Andy Harter. The club’s biggest supporters for so many years, you make so much possible for us. Indeed, this year alone you helped secure a new boat, new oars, the design of our new blazers, and now of course ‘triple blades’! We are so very grateful for all you do.”
On the achievement, honorary President Lily Bacon said:
“Professor Luzio and Dr Harter join me in warmly congratulating the College Boat Club on their magnificent achievement. Winning the Pegasus Cup in such a spectacular way is the culmination of a number of years of growth and development in the Club. A big thank you to all our supporters, including St Edmund's alumni, the Cambridge 99’s Rowing Club, from where we boat, and Pete Twitchett at Emmanuel who has looked after our boats so well. But above all, the commitment and dedication of our athletes who have trained so hard and come together as a Club. We are very proud of you all.”
Race reports from our Captains can be found on the SECBC website.
