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Women’s crews

W1: Starting third on the river, W1 will be racing once again in a high stakes environment. With a series of external regattas and some intense land training under their belts, these women are ready for the challenge at the top of division one. The crew includes experienced oarswomen as well as two gifted rowers who learned only this year. This will be cox Daina’s final bumps campaign after an impressive tenure as a mainstay of Wolfson Boat Club. Let’s hope it will be one to remember!

W2: W2 will be defending their title as the highest women’s second boat on the river, starting 11th in Women’s Division II (23rd on the river). In the capable hands of experienced race cox Sophie, we have no doubt they will rise to the occasion. This will be the first summer eights campaign for all the rowers in this crew, but with plentiful external racing experience and months of dedicated hard work this is not a team to underestimate. 

W3: The Wolfson women’s third boat currently holds 3rd boat headship, and will be starting 9th in division 4 at position 45 on the river. Most of the crew learned to row at Wolfson this year and have thrown themselves into training both on land and water, yielding rapid progression and promising results so far. They will be taking on second and first boats with the grit, determination and agility that have got them so far in the last 9 months.

W4: Made up of wolves new, old and newly returned, Wolfson’s women’s fourth boat will be competing first at the “rowing on” qualifiers. We are confident they will speed to success and are excited to see if they can beat the +3 total of W4 in last summer eights, or match the incredible blades winning campaign of W4 in Torpids a few months ago. With a highly experienced crew backing her up, this will be an excellent introduction to racing for new cox Cris. 

Men’s crews

M1: The first men’s crew is currently situated 5th on the river before summer eights. They are motivated, fuelled and enraged by missing out on the Torpids headship by a mere canvas. Having trained hard for the past few months they are hoping to get a few bumps. The hopes are high, also after winning the college category of Bedford regatta at the beginning of May. This will be Mary’s last bumps campaign with Wolfson and she is set to make it a memorable one. The crew is made up of experienced rowers who have learned to row in the UK and abroad. This crew also includes two of this year’s men’s captains, David and Dominik.

M2: Our second crew is located in the middle of the fourth division. They won blades last year and are keen to repeat this feat. Together with M1 they participated at Wallingford and at Bedford regattas, gaining some valuable race experience and preparing them for their aspirations. This crew is made up mostly from experienced rowers, many of whom have started their rowing journey at Wolfson. They are joined by Mantas and Benjamin who started rowing with us this year. They are incredibly fast for an M2 and definitely one to watch out for.

M3: The third men’s crew is starting out at the bottom of the fifth division. Their predecessors have earned spoons in the year before and they are looking to reverse this. This crew is made up from a mix of more experienced rowers and some who joined us this year. In the stern pair we have Wolfson alumni Boldi and Ryan guiding the crew. In the coxing seat, Adam is known for his adventurous and bumps-ready steering. We also have another men’s captain in this crew with Calvin.

M4: Our fourth crew is starting in the last division, ready to gain some bumps experience. This crew is made up entirely from athletes that started rowing this year—except for James who rowed with Wolfson for many years, is an honorary committee member and is back for some action. Calvin also features here as well, this time starring in the coxing seat for his first bumps campaign as cox. 

Wolfson had a strong Summer Eights 2017 campaign. M1 defends their position of 5th on the river, while M3 remain the highest men’s 3rd VIII, at 9th in Men’s Division V. W1 finished the week at 6th in Women’s Division I, their highest ranking since 1992. W2 bumped up into Division II, while W3 finished at the head of Division V!

Crews

Wolfson entered six crews in Summer Eights 2017.

Men’s First Boat

Having had a disappointing Torpids, the Men’s 1st VIII were looking to prove themselves. However the week before racing, injuries took out Giuseppe Ughi and Philipp Schafer, which meant that the racing crew was only set the Sunday before racing. Despite this, the crew were confident going into the first day, and they managed to push away from University and towards Pembroke, who had been the Torpids Headship crew. Having proved that they had gained speed since Torpids, M1 were determined to keep pushing on, and each day they moved closer and closer to Pembroke. On the last day, they were only a quarter length from Pembroke twenty strokes from the line. They had just put in a final push, and were starting to close in, when the klaxon went off! Even the Men’s First Division can be stopped before a conclusion can be reached. However, the crew were happy after defending their position at 5th on the river.

Women’s First Boat

The Women’s 1st VIII were reminded of the difficulties facing a Division I crew. As fast as they were, few crews around them showed any sign of weakness. But they took full advantage of the few visible weaknesses, leading to a bump on Magdalen on the third day. They finished the week at 6th in Division I, their highest ranking since 1992!

Division I

Men’s Second Boat

The Men’s 2nd VIII were forced to race in an unfamiliar shell, Linda, due to damage in a previous race. Despite being faster than Jesus II in front, they were denied the bump as Magdalen II were caught by Jesus first. This set the tone for the week, as they had no chance to catch the slower crews ahead, and were instead caught by the fast St Catherine’s II and Green Templeton I. And so, despite a solid performance, M2 ended the week down two at 7th in Division IV.

Division IV

Women’s Second Boat

The Women’s 2nd VIII started the week in a tough position as the highest W2 on the river. They were forced to row the full course five times in the first three days before they were given the opportunity to take down St Hugh’s, thus moving into Division II. Once there, they consolidated their position with a second bump on Merton and ended their week at 12th in Division II. This is equal to their highest position ever in Summer Eights (last held in 1980, by Wolfson’s first-ever W2).

Division II

Men’s Third Boat

Wolfson M3 were also struck by the indignities of bumps racing. Although they were faster than crews ahead of them, they were caught out by the rapid chasing crews. And so they ended the week with spoons – down four. However, they remain the highest men’s 3rd VIII, at 9th in Men’s Division V.

Division V

Women’s Third Boat

Wolfson W3 were a strong crew, and pounced on the colleges in front of them. The only respite for those crews was the klaxon, which twice caused our women to miss out on bumps. Despite this, W3 moved up three places, finishing in their highest position on the river since 1998, at the head of Women’s Division V.

Division V

This website will host the race report after the event has finished. For now you can download this year’s bump chart to print and track the bumps throughout VIIIs.

Wolfson ranked first amongst all boat clubs this year in Summer Eights in total bumps (15) and bumps per crew (1.88). With strong performances from every crew, and new records set, there were smiles everywhere from Wolfson and St. Cross rowers!

Crews

Wolfson entered eight crews into Eights 2015, including four men’s crews, and four women’s crews.

Men’s First Boat

Women’s First Boat

Men’s Second Boat

Women’s Second Boat

Men’s Third Boat

Women’s Third Boat

Men’s Fourth Boat

Women’s Fourth Boat

Trinity term saw a pack of wolves hungry for more. For the first time we had eight boats entered in Summer Eights: Four Men’s, and four Women’s! There was such high competition for places in the crew of the Men’s First that the second boat was deemed “M1B”. The M1 and M1B both bumped twice, and almost twice more – both boats were feared on the river. The W1 had a tough Eights, rowing over each day, and each day eating more and more inches into the crews ahead of them. M3 and W3 both won blades! On the last day of Eights it was revealed to a very surprised and touched college steward that the M1 had taken it upon themselves to rename their boat “Karl Davies”, thanking Karl for his incredible kindness to the club over the years.

Yet again not a single boat went down on the charts, and again Wolfson achieved the highest number of position increases across its fleet, highest of any college. We won Torpids, we won Eights. We have reason to be proud.

Cliff’s Race Reports

Every day of Eights, Clifford Sofield gave fantastic summaries of that day’s races. Enjoy!

Wednesday

Dear Friends, We are underway! The first women’s race of Summer Eights 2015 featured two Wolfson crews. The Women’s 3rd Eight (W3) caught a crab right off the start, but despite that initial stumble they were on top of Keble III quickly. They had overlap well before Donnington Bridge, and a few strokes past the bridge W3 politely tapped Keble’s stern to claim their bump. The Women’s 4th Eight (W4), meanwhile, came oh-so-close to bumping Lincoln IV, but they couldn’t quite get them before Lincoln bumped out. Unfortunately that allowed St Catherine’s III to catch W4 farther up the course. The next division had the Men’s 4th Eight (M4) chasing Trinity III. Apparently the outcome of this one was never in doubt; after a long overlap of almost half a length they bumped Trinity just past Donnington Bridge. The Men’s 3rd Eight (M3) enjoyed even more emphatic success in the next men’s division. They gained rapidly on St Anne’s II from the start, and when the St Anne’s cox did not concede, M3 smashed into them before Donnington Bridge, snapping their rudder off.

Donnington Bridge, that attractive concrete edifice connecting cosmopolitan East Oxford to Victorian South Oxford, witnessed its fourth Wolfson bump of the day an hour later, when the Men’s 2nd Eight (M2) dealt Green Templeton M1 their first Summer Eights bump since 2010. Coach Gregers says M2 gained from the start. GTC held them for a little while at a canvas, and then they cracked and our boys quickly finished the bump before the bridge.

The Women’s 2nd Eight (W2) executed a classic bump in the next race. They didn’t gain much on Queen’s or pull away from St Peter’s before Donnington Bridge, but from where I was standing it was plain that only Wolfson was capable of maintaining that pace. After the bridge W2 gained quickly on Queen’s and bumped them as they were about to enter the Gut.


In Women’s Division I, the Women’s 1st Eight (W1) rowed cleanly but dropped away from Keble, who gained on University College but ultimately rowed over as Univ bumped out. Our ladies also rowed over. The next race, Men’s Division I, was spectacular. The Men’s 1st Eight (M1) had a good start and gained to about half a length on Univ going through the Gut. Coming out of the Gut they quickly cut their deficit to a quarter length. By the top of the Green Bank there was a canvas of overlap, and when Univ attempted to cross the river we bumped them just below our (Univ’s) boathouse!

Victory is sweet, but there’s a whole lot of racing left. Good luck to all crews tomorrow!

Thursday

St Peter’s may have a BBC-style helicam, but Wolfson has daily race reports!

Thursday started with the Women’s 3rd Eight (W3) executing a textbook bump on St Peter’s II. (Too bad the helicam wasn’t airborne for this one!) W3 gained half a length quickly, held it there for a few strokes, and then gobbled them up, catching St Peter’s just past Donnington Bridge. Meanwhile the Women’s 4th Eight (W4) were chasing St Catherine’s III at the foot of the division. Unfortunately it was a ‘gimme’ for St Catz, as Exeter II (the crew they were chasing) deposited themselves in the bank off the start. St Catz bumped them in short order; the next two crews ahead also bumped out; and W4 were left to row over.

It was an epic race for the Men’s 4th Eight (M4). They gained on Oriel III from the start, and then Oriel held them off through the Gut. As they raced up the Green Bank, M4 gained steadily again until there was overlap. Just past our boathouse M4’s bow scraped Oriel’s stern…but Oriel tried to pretend it didn’t happen. They kept rowing, M4 kept chasing, and the initial verdict was that both crews rowed over; but an official review concluded that M4 did get the bump, thanks to reports from impartial eyewitnesses who saw it happen.

The Men’s 3rd Eight (M3) decided to remove appeals from the equation. When Christ Church III caught a crab off of the start, M3 struck, nabbing them just fourteen strokes into the race. M3 showed mercy, though: they easied even before Christ Church conceded, and drifted gently into them for the bump. An hour later the Men’s 2nd Eight (M2) revived the epic. They gained half a length quickly on St Catherine’s II, proceeded to reel them in, and were about a canvas away when St Catz escaped by bumping Worcester II. M2 successfully steered around the resulting tangle and found themselves chasing Keble II for the overbump. For some reason Keble had introduced themselves to the bank on the wrong side of the river outside Longbridges Boathouse, and they were just restarting. The two crews raced up opposite sides of the river, with M2 on the racing line. When they crossed over M2 were just half a length down, and they closed to a canvas in front of the boathouses, but that was as close as they got. Both crews rowed over.

Appeals struck again in Women’s Division III. The Women’s 2nd Eight (W2) executed the first half of their race well, but they didn’t manage to gain much on Lady Margaret Hall. As the crews exited the Gut they were compelled to steer around Brasenose and Corpus Christi, who had bumped out just ahead. After negotiat ing that obstacle, LMH crashed into the bank, and W2 rowed clean past them for the bump. Unfortunately, LMH lodged an appeal after the race, saying that they had been obstructed. Their appeal was upheld, and both crews were awarded technical row-overs. Later on, the Women’s 1st Eight (W1) took to the water in Women’s Division I. Hoping to do some early damage to Keble, they went off hard. They did gain about half a length initially, but Keble fought them off and bumped out on Balliol exiting the Gut. W1 rowed over, with Hertford a good distance behind.

Day 2 finished with another spectacular bump for the Men’s 1st Eight (M1). With a solid start they gained about half a length on Trinity before entering the Gut, and with good steering they continued to gain, emerging just half a length down. Then they really started to move. I saw overlap halfway up the Green Bank, and just before the boathouses the Wolfson bow slid over Trinity’s stroke oar, for the bump! M1 are now ranked fifth on the river.

Friday

Gusty showers swept across Oxford today and whisked New College’s boat off the raft and into the river – oars, trestles, and all. But that wasn’t the day’s only excitement.

Univ III missed the first stroke and the Women’s 3rd Eight (W3) jumped all over them. It didn’t take W3 long to close out the bump-their third in three days!-under Donnington Bridge, where they pulled over to watch the Women’s 4th Eight (W4). W4 also had a strong start, immediately gaining half a length on Exeter II. They continued to eat into them every stroke and bumped them just after the bridge…and again on the next stroke…and again, and again, until several strokes later Exeter finally acknowledged the bump.

The Men’s 4th Eight (M4) had a clean start and a pretty row, and they moved half a length on Lady Margaret Hall II before going into the Gut. But Oriel III were out for revenge after yesterday’s appeal. They started gaining on M4 in the Gut and made contact coming out onto the Green Bank.

t was a slightly scrappy start for the Men’s 3rd Eight (M3), but they pulled it together and reeled in Jesus III, bumping them under the bridge where Tony Convey couldn’t get it on video. It was their third bump in three days! Not much to say about the Men’s 2nd Eight (M2), except that they were dominant. They moved rapidly on Worcester II and bumped them in under twenty strokes.

The Women’s 2nd Eight (W2) put together a good, strong row. They closed to within a length of Lady Margaret Hall going through the Gut, but on the Green Bank LMH pulled away again, and both crews rowed over. Our girls gave it everything, though; it was a race to be proud of. The Women’s 1st Eight (W1) rowed a great race as well. They were still a length and a half down on Balliol coming up the Green Bank, but they turned the screws and cut that down to half a length going past Boathouse Island. Both crews rowed over.

The last race of the day was a nail-biter. The Men’s 1st Eight (M1) were chasing Magdalen, who had come within a few feet of bumping Pembroke Thursday. Racing up the Green Bank, Wolfson were about a length down on Magdalen, and Magdalen were about a length down on Pembroke. Our boys cut that down to about half a length in from of the Boathouses, and Magdalen got even closer to Pembroke…but all three crews rowed over.

One day left to go! Remember: races are one hour earlier tomorrow.

Saturday

It was a gorgeous sunny day here in Oxford for the finale of Summer Eights 2015! Here’s how it happened:

The Women’s 3rd Eight (W3), who had bumped each of the first three days, were on for blades. They gained initially on St Peter’s II, but Peter’s were also closing hard on St Hugh’s III, and they bumped them just after Donnington Bridge. That left W3 chasing Pembroke III for the overbump—a tall order, since Pembroke had started three places ahead with a six-and-a-half length advantage. But W3 steadily closed the gap, and in front of the boathouses they started taking big chunks out of Pembroke. By the end of the island there was overlap, and at the bottom of Christ Church Meadow a Wolfson oar satisfyingly smacked Pembroke’s stern. W3 won blades, with four bumps in four days! They finished at 2nd in Women’s Division VI, six places above where they started.

Meanwhile, the Women’s 4th Eight (W4) had a great start, closing quickly on Somerville III, and they didn’t stop gaining until they bumped ’em, just before Donnington Bridge. It was their second bump of Summer Eights, and they finish the week at 12th in Women’s Division VI, one place better than their starting position. Unfortunately, the Men’s 4th Eight (M4) were disqualified Saturday on a technicality. They finish Summer Eights where they started, ranked 6th in Men’s Division VI, with two bumps to their credit.

Like W3, the Men’s 3rd Eight (M3) were on for blades, and it was a tightly fought race. M3 were just half a length off of Regent’s Park coming out of Donnington Bridge, but Regent’s were only half a length behind St Peter’s II. St Peter’s showed grit and held Regent’s off, while M3 continued to close. They bumped Regent’s at the top of the Gut, winning blades for the second consecutive year! They finished 5th in Men’s Division V.

An hour later the Men’s 2nd Eight (M2) were racing through the Gut a length behind Osler House. Unfortunately Osler were only half a length behind Brasenose II, and Brasenose didn’t match up. Osler caught them at the exit of the Gut. M2 did some creative steering and held it up in order to manoeuvre around the tangled crews, then restarted and rowed over with their best rowing of the week. Having bumped twice, they finished the week two places up, at 7th in Division IV. The Women’s 2nd Eight (W2) rowed well in their final race, but St Hilda’s were faster. W2 were just a canvas ahead heading into the Gut. They held them off for a long time with continuous overlap until the top gut, when Hilda’s finally closed out the bump. Over the week W2 bumped once and got bumped once, maintaining their position of 6th in Division III.

In Women’s Division I, the Women’s 1st Eight (W1) were being chased by New College, who were on for blades. Racing though the Gut, New College were just three quarters of a length down, but W1 pushed away on the Green a Bank, building their lead back to a length and a half by our boathouse. They went on to row over behind Balliol. Over the week W1 successfully defended their position of 10th on the river.

At the end of the day it was a heart-stopping finale in Men’ s Division I. The Men’s 1st Eight (M1) were being chased by Trinity, and Trinity were under intense pressure from Keble, who were on for blades. At the top of the Gut, Trinity were a canvas off of Wolfson, and Keble were practically on top of Trinity. Apparently deciding it was ‘now or never’, Trinity swiped at Wolfson coming out of the gut, but missed! Keble sensing an opportunity, also went for the swipe…and also missed! Trinity and Keble shot across the river, and Keble caught Trinity as they straightened. Meanwhile M1 had stuck to the racing line and were gaining on Magdalen, but not quickly enough: the gap closed to about three-quarters of a length going past the boathouses, but both crews rowed over. M1 finished Summer Eights up two positions, at 5th on the river.

Crews

Wolfson entered six crews into Eights 2014, including three men’s crews, two women’s crews, and one mixed fun crew (designated M4). Both M3 and M4 successfully rowed on and competed in the main bumps event!

Men’s First Boat

The men’s first boat had a difficult position to defend in Eights 2014, staring 5th on the river. The first half of racing was difficult for them. On Wednesday, despite getting within half a length of the Univ crew in front of them, the men were bumped by a very fast Magdalen crew on the green bank. Thursday, they were bumped by Trinity after a very fast start. The men rallied for the second half of the race, rowing over on Friday ahead of Catz while Trinity went on to bump Univ. Saturday, the men still couldn’t quite catch Univ, but pushed solidly away from a cheeky Balliol crew that had gained on them through the gut. Overall the men have finished 7th on the river, a respectable Division I position.

Women’s First Boat

The Wolfson women had a fantastic Eights campaign! On Wednesday, they achieved a resounding bump on Oriel in the middle of the gut. Thursday, they continued by bumping Merton just off the CORC rafts in a high-rate race. Friday, the ladies bumped Hertford by Donnington Bridge. The toughest race was Saturday, against Keble, who had also spent the week moving up through the top division. Despite a very strong performance, the ladies rowed over behind Keble, cementing their finish at 10th on the river and solidly in Division I.

Men’s Second Boat

M2 fought an honourable but gruelling Eights campaign. On Wednesday, they rowed over behind a very speedy Keble II, which also rowed over. Thursday, although they gained on Keble off the start, they were bumped by Jesus II in the gut. Friday, after a good start, they were bumped by a very speedy Brasenose II in the gut. Finally, in Saturday’s race, the men were bumped by Green Templeton, a first boat which is still working its way up the bumps chart after formation a few years ago.

Women’s Second Boat

The women’s second boat had a proud Eights campaign. Wednesday, W2 bumped St. John’s II under Donnington Bridge after a flying start. Thursday would be a longer test of mettle, as LMH bumped out ahead of them and W2 had to row over. Friday, the ladies earned a strong bump on St. Hilda’s in the gut. Saturday was another tough race, and W2 had to row over after LMH bumped out on Queen’s ahead of them. The ladies finished fifth in Division III, their highest position since (at least) 1980!

Men’s Third Boat

Eights 2014 was a roaring success for the men’s third boat. Their campaign began with a bump on St. Benet’s off the start on Wednesday, followed by a quick bump on Queen’s on Thursday. On Friday, the men bumped Wadham III while still amongst the bunglines. Saturday, they earned their blades with a final bump on Pembroke III. In addition to Blades, the crew earned a secure spot in the fixed divisions.

Mixed (Fourth) Boat

The fourth boat was a mixed eight made of a hodgepodge of rowers: some coxes without quite enough time to row, some previous rowers who weren’t able or interested in a term of training, some committed W3 rowers who couldn’t find enough others to get a crew together. The mixed boat — surely with the best bankrider on the river — had a very successful campaign. On Wednesday, they bumped St. Hilda’s II at the entrance to the gut. Thursday, they bumped New College II just before Donnington Bridge. Friday, they bumped St. Hugh’s II in the top of the gut. Saturday, sadly the bump was not meant to be. After Oriel III bumped out on Trinity III ahead of them, Wolfson IV went on to row over.

Cliff’s Race Reports

Clifford Sofield, one of Wolfson’s longest-serving members, has offered to regale us with his daily observations of Summer Eights 2014. This year, as our crews fought their ways upriver, Cliff was was there to chronicle the details. Read on below!

Wednesday

The steady drizzle had progressed to proper rain by the time Wolfson M4 sat at the start, wearing watermelon-print tights, orange-print halter tops, and stylish peach-coloured plastic visors. But the water collecting in the upside-down brims of those visors did not faze MFoursome. Despite an unorthodox start (in which they made an unexpected visit to the opposite side of the river and allowed Brasenose III behind them to close to a quarter length behind them), our crew of four boys and four girls came together and bumped St Hilda’s II heading into the Gut. (The Hilda’s boys were dressed as sailors, in blue-and-white horizontally striped jerseys. One of them had a white hat, with a ribbon. Adorable.)

Wolfson M3 were more business-like. With a rapid start they bumped St Benet’s in about thirty strokes. It was a good job they didn’t wait longer because they had just bumped when the division was klaxoned. Apparently Pembroke III, having bumped out, had decided to clear the racing line by rowing straight in front of Regent’s Park, and the race was stopped to avoid a calamity. A short race was not in the cards for Wolfson M2, who had a brilliant start but then quickly lost ground to an impressive Keble II. It looked as if Keble might bump Worcester II, but Worcester escaped by bumping St Catherine’s II. Keble were left to row over, and Wolfson rowed over behind them. Our boys will be starting behind Keble again tomorrow, hoping to wear them down.

No doubt the memory of St John’s II bumping Wolfson W2 on Saturday of Eights last year still haunts you. It no longer haunts Wolfson W2. They exacted swift revenge today, bumping St John’s under Donnington Bridge. With that bump, Wolfson W2 are now the second-highest ranked women’s boat on the river. Wolfson W1 followed with a resounding victory over the Oriel ladies. Having gained rapidly in the first minute of the race, Wolfson had overlap as they entered the Gut. They hit Oriel about twenty strokes later, in the middle of the Gut.

But the final race of the day left a bitter taste in the mouths of Wolfson supporters. Chased hard by Magdalen, Wolfson M1 were only three-quarters of a length up by the time they entered the Gut. Wolfson responded well and held them there, at the same time gaining rapidly on University College. By the time they passed me near the top of the Gut only half a length separated Wolfson from Univ, and Magdalen from Wolfson. Then Magdalen found another gear, and despite Wolfson’s great effort they bumped us on the Green Bank.

Thursday

Oxford was treated to some summery weather today, and Wolfson M4 (aka ‘MFoursome Turbo’) boated at 12.45pm in warm and glorious sunshine. Every peach-coloured visor was right-side up—that’s how seriously our boys and girls were taking their second race of Summer Eights. Their focus paid off: M4 gained on New II off the start; they continued to gain each stroke until they had massive overlap; and then they bumped just before Donnington Bridge. Visors were doffed to their defeated foes, donned again upside-down, and MFoursome Turbo rowed home in fruitful glory.

Splendid weather and sunny results continued for Wolfson M3. Despite catching a crab early in the race, our boys recovered and quickly put pressure on Queen’s II, who, panicking, caught a crab themselves. The Queen’s cox just managed to concede before a solid collision confirmed the bump, Wolfson M3’s second of Summer Eights, about a minute into the race. Unfortunately the summer sun did not treat Wolfson M2 so kindly. A solid start saw them gain on Keble II, but then Jesus II started to close quickly behind them. Our boys responded but couldn’t escape getting bumped at the top of the Gut. They’ll be looking to take revenge on Jesus tomorrow.

It was also a tough race for Wolfson W2. Our ladies were chasing Lady Margaret Hall, who were in turn chasing an unimpressive St Hilda’s crew. As expected, LMH bumped St Hilda’s easily, and Wolfson W2 were left to row over, which they did with untouchable dignity. Two hours later, in Women’s Division I, it was Wolfson W1’s chance for glory, and they seized it admirably. Aiming for a swift, sharp race, our ladies went off hard and kept the rate high despite the choppy water, bumping Merton just before City of Oxford Rowing Club to rise to 11th place on the river. It was their second bump of Summer Eights.

In the final race of the day, Men’s Division I, Wolfson M1 were looking to row over, in order to put themselves into a good position to catch Univ tomorrow. Unfortunately Trinity disagreed with our plans. With a deceptively fast start, Trinity closed to within three-quarters of a length on Wolfson by Donnington Bridge; and in the rough water they were able to close out the bump in the middle of the Gut. So it will be Trinity, not Wolfson, chasing Univ tomorrow. Disappointing, but the boys are ready to come back tomorrow and defend their standing of 7th on the river.

In other Summer Eights news, both the Women’s and the Men’s Headships changed hands today. Wadham ladies bumped St John’s on the Green Bank, and Oriel men bumped Pembroke, also on the Green Bank, in two exciting races.

Friday

The third day of Summer Eights can be a turning point. Crews that have enjoyed success on the first two days can meet with disappointment, and crews that have struggled so far can suddenly find success. Neither was the case the for Wolfson M4. An excellent start brought them a canvas off of St Hugh’s II by Donnington Bridge. St Hugh’s responded with a heroic push, pulling away slightly, but after another twenty strokes or so MFoursome Turbo found their eponymous gear and bumped in the top of the Gut. That was their third bump in three days.

Wolfson M3 also overcame the perils of the third day, and in even more dramatic fashion. Our boys executed their best start of the year…and that was all they had time to do before they bumped Wadham III between bunglines 5 and 4 (having raced for a mere fifteen boat lengths). A fantastic effort for their third bump in three days! Sadly Wolfson M2 were not able to make Friday their turning point. Despite putting in a good start in which they gained on Jesus II, they soon found themselves under pressure from a swift Brasenose II. With traffic on the river impeding their racing line, our boys were forced to concede the bump in the lower Gut.

The third day represented a critical race for Wolfson W2. Our girls were chasing St Hilda’s, a crew that had been bumped the previous two days; but we were being chased by St Peter’s, a very respectable crew. On the start St Peter’s gained slightly, but W2 were unfazed. In business-like fashion they reeled in St Hilda’s and bumped them in the lower Gut, for their second bump of Summer Eights.

Wolfson W1, who had two bumps coming into today, did not allow the third day to change their momentum! Following a clean, powerful start they soon found themselves a canvas off Hertford. The rough water kicked in as they hit Hertford’s wash, and everything seemed to pause for a moment — and then Hertford cracked and we bumped them at Donnington Bridge. Another dominant performance for our ladies in Division I!

Out of all the Wolfson crews, Friday was most critical for M1. Having been bumped on Wednesday and Thursday, our boys were determined to turn their Summer Eights around today. With a good clean first minute they pulled away from St Catz, who were then bumped by Balliol after Donnington Bridge; meanwhile ahead of us Trinity caught Univ at the top of the Gut. With no racing crews left around them, our boys laid down a solid piece of rowing to the finish line, and rowed over. They’ll be chasing Univ tomorrow.

Saturday

An expectant stillness spread over the Isis, as the fourteen boats in Men’s Division V stretched their bunglines across the sun-dappled water. The coaches counting down, a cox’s last-minute instruction, a collectively in-drawn breath—BOOM! The river erupted into fury. Peering through the clearing cannon smoke we could see Wolfson M3, steering a tight corner off of tricky bungline 9, hot on the stern of Pembroke III. Our boys already had three bumps in three days, and they were only a length off of the glorious fourth. Coxswain Oscar straightened up after the bend, the crew buried their finishes, and Wolfson M3 cut through the roiling water and, on the twenty-sixth stroke, surged for their blades-winning bump!

Congratulations to Wolfson M3 on a tremendous Summer Eights. With a bump on each day, they are the third Wolfson M3 to have won Blades in Summer Eights since 1980 (which is as far back as our records go), and the first since 1991. Their finish position of eighth in Division V (60th on the river) is Wolfson M3’s highest position ever in Summer Eights (they reached their previous best of 66th in 1998 and 2013), and they are now solidly within the fixed divisions.

Turn the clocks back 70 minutes to Men’s Division VI. Wolfson M4 had also bumped each of the first three days, but they were facing their most challenging race so far. The crew ahead, Oriel III, were chasing Trinity III, who had been bumped the previous two days. MFoursome Turbo committed to racing as hard as they could into the Gut—and then even harder after that, in order to catch Oriel before they bumped Trinity. Alas it was not to be: Oriel bumped Trinity in the Gut, and MFoursome rowed over. They finished sixth in Division VI, with three bumps to their credit in Summer Eights.

The same sort of challenge, but amplified, faced Wolfson W2. Having bumped St Peter’s on Friday, our girls were chasing Lady Margaret Hall, who were strong but catchable…but LMH were chasing Queen’s, who had started Eights in Division II and were now rapidly plummeting through Division III. Determined to put LMH under pressure before they reached Queen’s, Wolfson W2 put everything into the first half of the race. But LMH had the same idea, and they had closed to a canvas on Queen’s by Donnington Bridge. Queen’s made a gutsy effort to hold them there, but they were overmatched and LMH finished the bump in the Gut. St Peter’s were bumped as well, and Wolfson W2 rowed over at fifth in Women’s Division III, their highest rank since 1980. With two bumps and two row-overs, they had a successful Summer Eights.

The cards were surely stacked against Wolfson M2. Chasing Brasenose II, who had bumped them yesterday, our boys were themselves being chased by Green Templeton, an M1 boat working its way up through the divisions since the college’s introduction in Division VII five years ago. Despite the unfavourable odds, Wolfson M2 executed an excellent start and kept pace with Brasenose. When Green Templeton started to gain, our boys gritted their teeth and made GTC fight for every inch. The bump eventually happened in the Gut, but our boys came off the water with their heads high after an excellent race. They finished Summer Eights ranked ninth in Men’s Division IV, having been bumped three times and rowed over once.

Having bumped each of the previous three days, Wolfson W1 boated Saturday in pursuit of their Blades-winning fourth bump, knowing it would not be easy. They were chasing a good crew in Keble, who had bumped twice and then rowed over behind University College. If Univ could hold off Keble again, it would give our ladies the whole length of the river to catch them—and they might need it. Wolfson W1 rowed a long, hard, determined race, but Keble, alert to the danger, were just as sharp. There was nothing gained or lost the whole way, and when they passed the boathouses a length and a half of clear water still separated Univ from Keble and Keble from Wolfson. All three crews rowed over. So no blades, but Wolfson W1 can be extremely proud of their three bumps, and of finishing 10th on the river, their highest ranking since 1997!

In the final race of Summer Eights 2014, Wolfson M1 were pumped up and ready to finish the bump on Univ that they had been within a few feet of on Wednesday. But our boys were being chased by Balliol, who had caught St Catherine’s early in the Gut on Friday. It was going to be a race to the Green Bank, and Wolfson M1 were ready for it. They had a flying start and put Univ under pressure early, closing to about three-quarters of a length by Donnington Bridge. Univ responded and pulled away to a little over a length as they rounded the first bend. Meanwhile Balliol had closed to about three-quarters of a length, and as the crews raced through the Gut Balliol closed that gap to about half a length, while Univ held Wolfson at just over a length. On the Green Bank Balliol surged and came as close as a canvas; but our boys found the courage and commitment, first to push them away, and then to drop them. In front of the boathouses Balliol were a length behind, and they fell back even further as Wolfson again gained on Univ in the last fifty strokes. They might have closed to as little as half a length by the finish, but in the end all three crews rowed over. A great race from Wolfson M1, who finished Summer Eights at 7th on the river, their fourth-highest finishing position ever, having been bumped twice and rowed over twice.

So ends Summer Eights 2014. Congratulations to all Wolfson crews! Your effort and determination in Summer Eights and all year long has been admirable, and you’ve raced like champions. Well done.

Wolfson had a fantastic Summer Eights 2013 campaign. For the first time in thirteen years, our Women’s First Boat is in Division I!

Crews

Wolfson entered six crews in Summer Eights 2013.

Men’s First Boat

After a meteoric rise over the past decade, Wolfson’s M1 was on a new mission this year: to prove themselves worthy of the top half of Division I during a rebuilding year. The chaps performed with flying colors, holding off strong University College crew on Wednesday and Thursday, before finally succumbing on Friday. They battled against the odds to hold off Magdalen for a row-over on Saturday, finishing fifth on the river.

Women’s First Boat

Following on an exceptional last few years, Wolfson’s W1 began Eights 2013 within striking distance of Division I — and hungry for it! On each of Wednesday and Thursday, the lady wolves executed textbook row-overs at the head of Division II before narrowly missing the chance to bump into Division I. On Friday, a gust of wind pushed them into the bank off the start of their Div II race, and they were bumped by Somerville. But the women more than redeemed themselves on Saturday, quickly bumping Osler House during their first race before extracting vengeance on Somerville and securing a Division I berth in their final race of their campaign.

Men’s Second Boat

Wolfson’s M2 packed a punch this year. Although they were frustrated by klaxons on Wednesday and Friday, the men felled Exeter II with a strong bump on Thursday, and worked for their row-over on Saturday after their prey bumped out early. They advanced to 6th in Division IV, the highest finishing position of any Wolfson M2 crew!

Women’s Second Boat

Wolfson’s W2 was a ball of fury in the middle of Division III. After quickly annihilating their ancient nemesis, Christ Church II, on Wednesday, the women gained a hard-fought against St. Peter’s first boat on Thursday. Sadly, the ladies fell victim to a klaxon on Friday, and on Saturday they were bumped by a very strong St. John’s II. Overall, W2 moved up one position over the week, finishing 8th in Division III as the third-highest women’s second boat on the river.

Men’s Third Boat

Wolfson’s M3 had a strong campaign this year. After firm row-overs chasing worthy adversaries on Wednesday and Thursday, they were hungry for bumps. And on Friday and Saturday, they got them! Lady Margaret Hall II fell to them in the gut on Friday, and Wadham III crumbled under their advance before the gut on Saturday. M3 then raced as the sandwich boat in Division V, but their quarry bumped out in front of them, leaving only a tidy row-over and added excitement next year.

Mixed Boat

Wolfson’s M4 was a mixed eight of rowers with some experience who weren’t able to row in the higher boats for one reason or another. A strong crew, they narrowly missed the bump on Somerville III on Wednesday when Somerville bumped out on Magdalen III. Spurred on, they achieved bumps on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, finishing first in Men’s Division VII.

Cliff’s Race Reports

Clifford Sofield, one of Wolfson’s longest-serving members, has offered to regale us with his daily observations of Summer Eights 2013. This year, as our crews had successful campaigns, and W1 bumped into Division 1, Cliff was was there to chronicle the details. Read on below!

Wednesday

It was a mite chilly, but the sun even came out by the end of the day, and Wolfson was favoured with reasonable success on the first day of Summer Eights. MFoursome, whose outfits you should soon be able to view here, rowed a tidy race but found themselves at the wrong end of a three-boat bumping sandwich: that is to say, they were mere inches from Somerville III’s stern when Somerville bumped Magdalen III. In Summer Eights both crews involved in the bump pull out of the race, and MFoursome went on to row over some distance behind Oriel III at the head of the division.

Wolfson M3, starting third in Division VI, found themselves chasing an empty river when St John’s III bumped Wadham IV ahead of them. They rowed over with never a threat from Green Templeton II behind, who were caught near the finish by Somerville II. Wolfson M2 was our third crew of the day to have the crews ahead bump out (this time Worcester II on Exeter II). Our boys had set their sights on St Catherine’s II, the crew three ahead, when suddenly they found themselves impeded as Keble II, who had already been bumped, inexplicably pulled into the river in front of them. The race was klaxoned, and M2 was awarded a row over.

The first Wolfson bump of Eights 2013 belongs to W2, who nonchalantly annihilated their ancient nemesis Christ Church II in only 21 strokes. Wolfson W1 produced two fine races. In the first they rowed over at the head of Division II, comfortably ahead of St Catherine’s. An hour later, as sandwich boat in Division I, the effort of the first race told as they rowed over again, this time behind Oriel. Tomorrow they start at the head of Division II again.

In the final race of the day, Wolfson M1, put in a strong performance and rowed over, proving they belong in the top half of Division I. Off the start the chaps matched Christ Church (a crew with six Varsity rowers), and they never let University College behind them come close, despite the fact that Univ were pushed hard by Balliol, who were themselves ultimately caught by Magdalen at the bottom of Boathouse Island. At the top of the division, Pembroke seized the Headship from Oriel, despite conceding ample water to Christ Church earlier in the race. Pembroke now hold the Headship in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Thursday

Rainstorms came and went, temperatures soared to nearly 10 degrees C (50 degrees F), and “Summer” Eights bumped on. MFoursome pushed off in an intermittent rain; and thirty minutes later they pushed onto Magdalen III just before the Gut for a quick bump. An hour later, the Lightweight Men (i.e. Wolfson M3) faced similar conditions, but a much more difficult race: they were chasing the competent Wadham IV, and being chased by yesterday’s victorious Somerville II. Our boys rose to the challenge, however. They opened a large gap on Somerville II, and rowed over. Tomorrow they chase Wadham’s victims from today: Lady Margaret Hall II.

Wolfson M2 and W2 found a sunny spell long enough to fit in both of their races, and the results matched the weather. M2 knocked out a clean race and bumped Exeter II just below the Gut. Wolfson W2 fought hard for their bump. St Peter’s held them off all the way through the Gut, but our girls dug deep and caught and them on the Green Bank.

A most discouraging downpour followed.

. . . but the clouds parted again in time for Wolfson W1 to row over ahead of St Catherine’s for the second day in a row, at the head of Division II. It was a tighter race than yesterday, with St Catz coming as close as 1 length before they were themselves bumped by Somerville in front of the Boathouses. Wolfson W1 raced again an hour later as sandwich boat, but their hopes of bumping up into Division I were disappointed when their quarry, Oriel, bumped a struggling Osler House. At the top of the division, St John’s captured the Headship from Pembroke.

The weather held long enough for the final, nail-biting race of the day. In Men’s Division I, Wolfson M1 had a slightly messy start and Univ had a flyer. Over the first half of the race, Univ gained steadily, pushed on by Magdalen, who seemed to be gaining even more speedily. Coming into the Gut, Univ were about half a length off of Wolfson, and Magdalen were if anything closer to Univ than that. Univ gained through the Gut, Wolfson pulled away, and on the Green Bank the crews were evenly spaced with about half a length of clear water between them. But then Magdalen began to fall back, and Univ pushed harder onto Wolfson. Univ gained to a canvas at the top of the Green Bank; Wolfson pushed away slightly. In front of the Boathouse Univ gained to a few feet, and M1 pushed away slightly. Past the Boathouse, Univ gained to mere inches — but Wolfson pushed away again, this time for good, and rowed over at least a quarter of a length ahead of Univ. Outstanding victory!

Friday

Winds gusted, and a cold steady rain fell over the Isis on the third day of Summer Eights.

MFoursome and the Lightweight M3 Men made the best of the unpleasant conditions. MFoursome put together another tidy row and bumped St Hugh’s III shortly after Donnington Bridge. Lightweight M3 Men notched their first bump of Summer Eights an hour later, as they reeled in Lady Margaret Hall II in the Gut.

Wolfson M2 and W2 both had good starts, only to have their races promptly ended by klaxons. Both crews were awarded row overs. Wolfson W1 race was also short, but with disastrous result. A sudden gust of wind blew them into the bank off of the start, and before they could recover, Somerville were on them for the bump.

The day finished with another exciting M1 race, but this time the result was not in Wolfson’s favour. The first part of the race resembled yesterday’s. Wolfson got off to a good start and kept up with Oriel through the Gut. Meanwhile, Univ gained steadily, pushed on by Magdalen. On the Green Bank, Wolfson was half a length ahead of Univ, who were half a length ahead of Magdalen. Wolfson put in their push, but Univ’s was huge. In ten strokes Univ moved away from Magdalen and onto Wolfson, and bumped our boys before the end of the Green Bank.

Saturday

Sunny skies and warm temperatures put the “Summer” back into Summer Eights, and thousands of spectators crowded the banks on Saturday as Wolfson concluded a successful bumps campaign!

Once again MFoursome and the Lightweight M3 Men had remarkably similar days. In their first race, MFoursome executed a textbook bump on Brasenose III at the entrance to the Gut to become head of Division VII. And so it was that an hour later two Wolfson crews raced in Division VI: the Lightweight M3 Men, on bungline 2, and MFoursome, on bungline 14 (as sandwich boat). MFoursome closed to about a length off of Somerville III by the top of the Gut, but then Somerville bumped St Hilda’s II (for blades). The next two crews ahead of Hilda’s had also bumped out, and with no one left to chase, MFoursome were left to row over. They finished Eights up three places overall, at the head of Division VII, having bumped three times and rowed over twice.

Meanwhile, the Lightweight M3 Men got their second bump of Summer Eights, this time on Wadham III, before reaching the Gut. That moved M3 up to head of Division VI; so an hour later, the Lightweight Men raced as sandwich boat in Division V, hoping to bump up into the fixed divisions. Their quarry was Wadham IV, who had spoiled M3’s chances on Thursday by bumping out ahead of them. Wadham were in turn chasing St John’s III, who had likewise thwarted the Lightweight Men on Wednesday. Ahead of John’s were Queen’s II, and then St Benet’s. Unfortunately, John’s and Wadham played the spoilers again: first John’s bumped Queen’s; and then Wadham overbumped Benet’s near the exit of the Gut, leaving the Lightweight Men to row over. They finished the regatta up two places overall, at the head of Division VI, having bumped twice and rowed over thrice. A great result, but it does mean they will have to row on again next year!

The next race was a doozy! M2 were chasing Worcester II, and were being chased by Merton II. Our boys gained quickly on Worcester off of the start, and got as close as half a length before Worcester bumped Keble II near the top of the Gut, leaving Wolfson to race for the row-over. Then on the Green Bank Merton put in a great push and closed to half a length on Wolfson. As the crews headed up the Green Bank, Wolfson pulled away, but Merton edged back; Wolfson crept away again, and Merton clawed back. Then in front of the boathouses Merton’s will broke and Wolfson pulled away for the final time. Over the four days, Wolfson M2 bumped once and rowed over three times, finishing up one spot overall. Their new position, 6th in Division IV, is Wolfson M2’s highest ranking ever in Summer Eights! Their previous best was 7th in Division IV, the equivalent of 10th in Div IV prior to the expansion of the divisions last year. Wolfson M2 had held that ranking twice, in 1992 and 2012.

W2 ended their Summer Eights campaign on a disappointing note. Despite closing to about half a length behind a tidy Brasenose crew, they were bumped by St John’s II near the beginning of the Gut. Nevertheless, W2 had a successful Eights overall: they bumped twice and got bumped once, and finished up one position at 8th in Division III. They are currently the third highest women’s second eight on the river.

The most spectacular success of the day belonged to W1. Starting second in Division II, they executed their first bump of Summer Eights with business-like efficiency, taking down Osler House around the entrance to the Gut, to move up to head of Division II. An hour later, racing as sandwich boat in Women’s Division I, our ladies were chasing Somerville, who had bumped them the previous day. Unfazed, W1 poured on the pressure with a flying start. Somerville might have gained on Oriel ahead of them, but the result was never in doubt: Wolfson exacted revenge on Somerville, bumping them at the top of the Gut to secure a position in Division I ! They finished the week one place higher than they started, at 13th in Division I, having bumped twice and been bumped once. It is the first time in the history of Wolfson College Boat Club that both the men and the women have been in Division I at the same time.

By the final race of the day, the towpath was so crowded that it was hard to move. Wolfson M1 were chasing Univ, who had bumped them on Friday; and they were being chased by Magdalen, who were quicker than Univ to the Green Bank on both Thursday and Friday. Bayesian modeling (SAD BaStaRD), using the previous days’ results as priors, predicted a 92% chance of Magdalen bumping Wolfson. But the chaps were determined to do something special. Their start was a flyer, and they immediately started pulling away from Magdalen and gaining on Univ. By the top of the Gut they were only about a quarter length behind. Magdalen meanwhile had come back slightly, and in the second half of the race they closed to within a length of Wolfson. But Wolfson pushed off of them and continued to bring the race to Univ through the whole second half, crossing the finish line about a quarter of a length down. A fantastic effort from the chaps! Against the odds, Wolfson rowed over to finish Summer Eights down only one position at 5th in Division I. It was an outstanding result for a team composed largely of newcomers, whose training had been hampered by numerous weeks of red flag in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. It’s efforts like these in rebuilding years that keep colleges within striking distance of the Headship.

So, the Lightweight (M3) Men just missed out on bumping up into fixed divisions, but W1 achieved their goal and bumped into Division I! Wolfson M1 defended their lofty position very well, finishing down only one spot at 5th place on the river. As for MFoursome’s fashion sense . . . you can judge for yourself.

Wolfson crews moved up a net 7 places this Summer Eights, ranking them 10th in that statistic, and 9th in average bumps per crew. According to a newly devised statistic, Wolfson was the 9th most successful college boat club overall in Torpids and Eights this year, out of 36. Not to be sneezed at.

Wolfson had a strong Summer Eights 2012 campaign. The men defended their position as fourth on the river, and the women are within inches of Division I.

Crews

Wolfson entered six crews in Summer Eights 2012.

Men’s First Boat

After years of climbing through the bumps charts, Wolfson’s men found themselves beginning Eights 2012 fourth on the river, alongside Oxford’s oldest college rowing powerhouses. The chaps proved themselves worthy of the occasion, rowing over each day, and putting progressively more pressure on Christ Church with every race. Though they never bumped up, they consistently gained on the crews ahead, demonstrating that even a fourth on the river finish can’t satisfy for long.

Women’s First Boat

After fighting their way through Division II over the past five years, Wolfson’s W1 began Eights 2012 only two places from a coveted top division spot. Their campaign would prove grueling, as a row-over behind Keble on Wednesday was followed by a handy bump on New College on Thursday to reach the top of Division II — and sandwich boat status. But for the remainder of the campaign, the ladies would never quite catch Keble for a bump into Division I, and ended their campaign ready to get their revenge next year.

Men’s Second Boat

Wolfson’s M2 was a powerhouse this year, easily earning bumps on Merton II and Jesus II on Wednesday and Thursday, each in only a handful of strokes off the finish. Friday would prove more trying; though the men bumped Worcester II handily, a highly contentious race committee decision bumped them down a place instead — ostensibly as a penalty for a late wind-down. This left the M2 boat to bump Jesus II again on Saturday, missing blades only because of the disputed penalty.

Women’s Second Boat

Wolfson’s W2 showed their grit throughout Eights 2012. After an unfortunate encounter with the bank led to a bump by Hertford II on Wednesday, the women got their revenge on Thursday, bumping them before Donnington Bridge. The remainder of their campaign was extremely frustrating, as twice klaxons stopped the race just before the ladies were able to overcome their ancient nemesis, Christ Church II.

Men’s Third Boat

After successfully rowing on, Wolfson M3 was looking to fight its way into the fixed divisions this year — and came tantalizingly close. After rowing over on Wednesday, the men gained quick bumps on Jesus IV and Lincoln III on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Saturday’s race was a real fight, but St. John’s III managed to hold off the bump to the end, and Wolfson M3 finished 3rd in Division VI, the top rowing on division.

Women’s Third Boat

Wolfson’s W3 had a tough time of it this year. After rowing over Wednesday, they were bumped by Merton III and Osler House II on Thursday and Friday after changes in line-up upset their start sequences. The ladies recovered pride if not place on Saturday, putting in a huge performance to hold off the bump by Pembroke III and row over.

Cliff’s Race Reports

Clifford Sofield, one of Wolfson’s longest-serving members, has offered to regale us with his daily observations of Summer Eights 2012. This year, as our crews fought their ways upriver, Cliff was was there to chronicle the details. Read on below!

Wednesday

The race report for Wednesday is pending.

Thursday

Truth be told, Wolfson’s day started inauspiciously, as some powerful substitute rowers on strokeside pulled W3 across the river off the start. They recovered, and despite having gone so far off course they were able to hold off a competent Merton III from the bottom bunglines almost until Donnington Bridge. Wolfson M3 recorded their first bump of the week in short order, overwhelming Jesus IV in about 30 strokes.

Not to be outdone, Wolfson M2 needed even fewer strokes to knock out Jesus II. Wolfson W2 kept things bumping along nicely half an hour later, as they punished Hertford II just before Donnington Bridge. It was sweet revenge on the crew that had bumped them off a bad start the day before.

Wolfson W1 had the most spectacular bump of the day. Stroke by powerful stroke, they reeled in New College on the Green Bank. That gave them the opportunity to race again an hour later at the bottom of Division I (as ‘sandwich boat’), but unfortunately they weren’t quick enough to catch Keble. They race today at the head of Division II for a second chance.

Finally, Wolfson M1 increased the pressure on Christ Church yesterday, but rowed over again, staying 4th on the river. Christ Church got to nearly a canvas off of Pembroke in the Gut, and Wolfson kept up with them. On the Green Bank our boys were about two lengths down, but started to move on them as they crossed the stream. By the boathouse Wolfson were only a length off of Christ Church, and that’s how they rowed over the finish line. That means that over the distance they were half a length faster than Christ Church — a gain of three-quarters of a length on Wednesday.

Friday

Characteristic third day craziness on the Isis. Here’s the recap:

Wolfson W3 endured the same misfortune as the day before. Despite a change in lineup, they swerved across the river off the start, and — despite recovering and rowing well — were inevitably bumped by Osler House II before Donny Bridge. They’ll be looking for revenge Saturday, on a crew they are sure they can beat in a straight race. Wolfson M3 tallied their second bump, but they had to row a bit harder and longer for it today. Lincoln III dipped and swerved up the Green Bank trying to escape, but at the top of the Green Bank Wolfson M3 finally reeled them in.

Absolute carnage in Wolfson M2’s race yesterday. (So much that it needs a separate paragraph.) Three boats ahead of Wolfson, Keble II bumped out just below the entrance to the Gut, but in ‘clearing the racing line’ they chose to row directly in front of Worcester II, the crew Wolfson M2 were chasing. Worcester had no choice but to hold it hard, and Wolfson M2, who were only three-quarters of a length behind, inevitably crashed into them at full speed three strokes later. Having watched events unfold from the bridge, I can honestly say there is nothing the Wolfson cox could have done differently to avoid the collision. Only after that did the klaxon sound to stop the race. Fortunately no one was injured, but the stern of the Keble boat pierced Worcester’s hull when the driver of the safety launch unadvisedly tried to pull the two boats apart before getting as many Worcester rowers out of the boat as possible. Worcester’s boat began to swamp and all crew members were off-loaded, and under the competent direction of the Senior Umpire the two boats were separated. Keble rowed back to their boathouse effectively unscathed, and the Worcester boat was towed home. The upshot of all this was that Wolfson was ruled to have bumped Worcester (probably an unfair decision, since Worcester were obviously impeded by Keble suddenly getting in front of them), but then Wolfson’s bump was taken away AND a penalty bump imposed for ‘dangerous coxing’. A very poor ruling in my opinion, and in the opinion of other senior coxes. The Wolfson cox, who could not see the Keble crew around the bend, had no reason to suspect that Worcester would be stopping; by the time she noticed they had stopped rowing, there was nothing she could do. Neverthless, racing decisions are often unfair, and our appeals were denied. So Saturday Wolfson M3 will again be chasing Jesus II, the crew they bumped on Thursday in some 25 strokes.

Wolfson W2 were absolutely robbed of a bump on Christ Church II yesterday by a marshall with a twitchy finger on the trigger of his klaxon. As with the boys, the crew three in front of Wolfson W2 bumped out. There was a tangle, but the two crews had begun to separate by the time the next crew, St Peter’s W1, was near. But the marshall, who was positioned 100m downstream where he couldn’t clearly judge the distances, fired his klaxon anyway, believing St Peter’s were about to crash. It was an error of judgement borne of inexperience, but at least it was made in good conscience with safety in mind. Wolfson W2 were only a canvas off of Christ Church II when the klaxon went; they will seek to close that gap today. Wolfson W1 rowed over easily at the head of Women’s Division II, with New College never threatening. An hour later, at the bottom of Division I, they rowed over again, despite getting within three-quarters of a length on Keble in the first half of the race.

And last, Wolfson M1 took it up a level today, but so did Christ Church. Both crews were faster in the first half of the race, with Christ Church quickly moving to a canvas off of Pembroke. At the Green Bank, Christ Church were about half a length off, and Wolfson at least two lengths behind them, but again Christ Church could not sustain the speed, and Wolfson again gained significantly, rowing over three-quarters of a length back. Now that Christ Church have no hope of gaining the headship, we’ll see if they can match that effort today as Wolfson aim to hunt them down.

Saturday

It was brilliant to see so many Wolfson supporters down at the river yesterday — including alumni, friends, parents, spouses, and even babies. The littlest fan was 20-day old Alba Recker, who got to see her dad Mario in the Wolfson Men’s 1st VIII, rowing in Division I. I didn’t have as much time to catch up with friends as I would have liked, though, because things were pretty chaotic. The crowds for the Saturday of Eights were characteristically massive — the figure of 10,000 to 15,000 people is frequently quoted, and doesn’t seem unrealistic. Plus, I was busy. I spent two hours umpiring, and at other times I was stationed at points along the river to blow a whistle at our crews. (The whistling is to signal how close to a bump the crew is; it’s usually done by the coach cycling alongside, but bicycles aren’t permitted on Saturday because of the crowds.) In the end, I didn’t have the best view for some of our races so much of my information is second hand—but I trust my sources, and so should you! (One of my main sources is a YouTube user called ‘Fear the Deer’, who must be from Hertford, and who has posted videos of almost every single race this Summer Eights, conveniently in reverse chronological order.)

Wolfson experienced both success and disappointment on the final day of racing. Wolfson W3 rowed over in a good race after Osler House II bumped out ahead of them. Pembroke III got close in the Gut — it looked like half a length from where I was standing — but our girls first held them there and then pulled away, rowing over a length clear. Wolfson M3 gained to half a length off of St John’s III in the Gut, and got it down to a quarter of a length on the Green Bank, but St John’s held them off as both crews rowed over. Pretty good effort, considering that Wolfson’s cox box malfunctioned on the bungline, so they rowed the whole race without any instructions or feedback from the cox!

Wolfson M2 succeeded in bumping Jesus II for the second time in three days, but it was harder than the first time. Jesus gained on Worcester II pretty significantly in the first half of the race, but Wolfson rowed strong and caught them in the Gut. A hugely gutting final race for Wolfson W2. Coming out of the Gut, our girls were once again a canvas off of their old nemesis — Christ Church II — when their super archnemesis — the klaxon — sounded, stopping their race again! This is the third time in two consecutive Eights campaigns that a klaxon robbed Wolfson W2 of a bump on Christ Church II.

Wolfson W1 rowed over again at the head of Women’s Division II; I don’t know any details of that race, but judging by the video, they were never threatened. An hour later, though, I was standing on our landing stage, whistling in series of three short bursts as our ladies rowed past less than a quarter of a length off of Keble at the bottom of Women’s Division I. They had closed hard by the Gut and were right on Keble’s tail all the way up the Green Bank and past the Boathouses, but somehow Keble escaped them for the third time this Eights by bumping out on Oriel, who were still a length ahead when they went past me (I’ve heard rumours of a crab in the Oriel boat…). So Wolfson W1 rowed over in a great race, despite their valiant effort, and remain Head of Division II.

Finally, Wolfson M1 rowed over as well. All four top crews in Men’s Division I raised their games on the final day, and our boys got closer than ever to Christ Church, rowing over half a length behind. It was their best row of the week, and I’m extremely proud that they not only held their own all week against crews boasting rowers of international calibre, but were actually a length faster over the course than a crew with two OUBC Blues rowers and two Isis rowers. To maintain our position at fourth on the river is a tremendous achievement. (If you’d like to see Wolfson W1 and M1’s last races from an unusual perspective, look here.)

Wolfson M1 bumps Univ on Saturday of Summer Eights 2011, reaching fourth on the river!

What a year! M1 has just got blades bumping them up to 4th position on the river in first division. W1 had a brief nibble at the toes of division 1 and are now in a strong position to bump into the first division next year.

Crews

In 2011 Wolfson had 4 men’s boats and 2 women’s boats taking part in Summer Eights. M3 rowed on successfully, while M4 did not qualify.

Wolfson bumped up 10 places in total and therefore ranked 3rd college overall. For the 4th year in a row M1 got blades! W1 and M2 both did very well bumping 3 days out of 4 and M2 bumped up in div 4. W2 was once again very unlucky: 3 of their races got klaxoned. M3 showed some solid rowing bumping up one place.

Men’s First Boat

On Wednesday, M1 was chasing Balliol who had overlap with St Catz for a while letting everyone think they would bump out. But St Catz managed to pull away, allowing M1 to bump Balliol around the boat houses. On Thursday, they continued their formidable ascension, bumping St Catz early on in the race. Friday, M1 bumped Hertford halfway down the Green Bank. After an epic Saturday chase on Green Bank, M1 finally bumped Univ not far from the finish and got blades, finishing 4th on the river!

Women’s First Boat

On Wednesday, W1 were closing on Linacre when their race was klaxoned. Thursday, they had their revenge, bumping Linacre in the gut! Friday, W1 bumped St Catherine’s just after Donnington Bridge after they had crashed into the bank. Saturday, W1 bumped Somerville just after Donny bridge and finish the week 3rd in Division II.

Men’s Second Boat

Wednesday, M2 bumped St Peter’s II in the gut, moving to second in Division V! Thursday, M2 got very close to bumping Merton II, but couldn’t quite get them and rowed over. Friday, they bumped Hertford II at the top of Div V, and then rowed over as the sandwich boat in Div IV after the crews ahead bumped out. But on Saturday, M2 rowed over at the top of Div V and then bumped St John’s II at the bottom of Division IV, securing their place there for next year.

Women’s Second Boat

Wednesday, The W2 girls also had their race klaxoned. Thursday, they were getting very close to Christ Church II when their race got klaxoned again. Friday, W2 got bumped by a fast Wadham II. And in an extremely frustrating Saturday, after a good start, W2’s race got klaxoned again (3 in 4 days) very early on.

Men’s Third Boat

Wednesday, after a good start, M3 closed to less than canvas off St Anthony’s II, but their race got klaxoned before they could bump. On Thursday, they had their revenge, bumping St Anthony’s II! Friday, M3 unfortunately lost a blade, but managed to get it back in a fashion that impressed the marshals and went on to row over. Saturday, M3 rowed over again as all the crews around them bumped out and finished at bungline 11 in Division VI.

Rowing On Boats

Wolfson also entered M4 into Summer VIIIs 2011. Unfortunately, they failed to qualify but the athletes had good rows all around and enjoyed Summer VIIIs dinner as much as the rest of us!

M4: Jono Lusthaus (str), Nelson Goering (7), Kyle Checchi (6), Nicholas Starko (5), Sebastiaan van Schaik (4), Alex Lang (3), Daniel Straulino (2), Federico Torracchi (bow), coxed by Kathryn Krakowka and coached by Iana Alexeeva and Rae Hancock

M2 bump Queen’s in Summer Eights 2010.

The men’s side got more bumps than any other college on the river, with M1 moving up 4 to their highest ever position (8th in Division 1), M2 getting their amazing fourth bump 5 seconds before the klaxon and M3 achieving 3 bumps during the campaign.

Also tremendous achievement from the women’s side, with W1 pushing Hilda’s to the line before bumping them on day one, W2 putting in a great performance to bump St. Anthony’s and W3 getting Wadham after less than two minutes of racing!

All six of our crews ended the campaign at the position they started in or higher, a great indication of the strength of the club’s performances this year! Well done to all those involved.

Crews

Wolfson entered 6 crews into Summer VIIIs in 2010, 3 men’s and 3 women’s VIIIs.

Men’s First Boat

M1 continued its ascension in full form this year. On Wednesday, they bumped Exeter just past Donny Bridge. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they bumped New College, Teddy Hall, and Magdalen, respectively, earning blades and finishing 8th on the river.

Women’s First Boat

Wednesday was an exciting day, as W1 bumped Hildas just before the finish line. They held that position on Thursday and Friday with solid row-overs, but were unfortunately bumped by Linacre on Saturday.

Men’s Second Boat

Wednesday, M2 bumped Queen’s 2 just after Donny Bridge. Thursday, they went on to bump St. Benet’s. Friday, they bumped Osler House, and Saturday they topped off by bumping Jesus II and finishing with well-deserved blades!

Women’s Second Boat

Wednesday, W2 showed their grit with a strong row-over. Thursday, they bumped St. Anthony’s. Friday, W2 again rowed over, and Saturday were bumped by LMH.

Men’s Third Boat

M3 rowed over on Wednesday before bumping Corpus II, Keble III, and Teddy Hall III respectively on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Women’s Third Boat

W3’s race was klaxoned on Wednesday. They went on to bump Wadham III at the top of Div VI on Thursday before rowing over at the bottom of Div V. On Friday, they rowed over at the top of Div VI and narrowly missed the bump into Div V. On Saturday, they were bumped by a speedy Lincoln II crew, finishing second in Div VI.

Crews

5 boats were entered into Summer VIIIs in 2009: 3 women’s eights and 2 men’s eights.

Men’s First Boat

Wednesday, M1 rowed over. Thursday, they bumped Queen’s, who would go for spoons. Friday, M1 bumped Wadham. On Saturday, as the sandwich boat between Div II and Div I, M1 first bumped Keble and then Worcester (who were on for blades), securing a place in Division I after 4 consecutive years of moving up the river!

Women’s First Boat

On Wednesday, W1 bumped Exeter W1. With their conviction from the day before bumped Keble on Thursday. Unfortunately, Keble came back to bump Wolfson W1 on Friday. On the final day of racing, W1 rowed over, moving up 1 place in Summer VIIIs in a strong position in Division II.

Men’s Second Boat

M2 had inspirational bumps on Pembroke III, St Anne’s II, and Brasenose II on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively. Unfortunately, on Saturday, they just missed out on bumping Osler House, who were trying to regain their position after an overbump on day 1.

Women’s Second Boat

On Wednesday, W2 rowed over, not quite able to match Wadham II who rowed over in front of them. Thursday, W2 rallied to bump Wadham II and then bumped Pembroke II securing their place in Division III. On Friday, the ladies bumped Hertford II to gain a strong position. Saturday, W2 bumped the LMH first boat, putting them at 10th in Division III.

Women’s Third Boat

W3 had a tough campaign. They were bumped by Balliol III, Christ Church IV, and Osler House III on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, respectively. On Saturday, they showed their grit, rowing over chasing Osler House III and chased by Green Templeton who each rowed over as well.