CHBC May Bumps 2025 Round Up
Clare Hall Boat Club had an exciting May Bumps this year, with wonderful results across all crews. After an incredible getting-on race, our M2 had three decisive bumps over the course of the week. Our W1 took on the challenge of starting close to the top of div 4, and conquered it to earn a firm spot within div 3. Our M1 faced tough conditions near the top of div 3, still managed to bump on the first day, and showcased some amazing row-overs to maintain their position.
Clare Hall W1
When W1 showed up at the boathouse at day 1, the pressure was on. Located in spot 2 of division 4, we knew it could be a long day – would we catch Pembroke’s W3, placing us at the top of division 4? This would turn us into the ‘sandwich boat’ for division 3, meaning we’d have to race again the same day at the bottom of division 3 to try and gain a spot in this division.
To say that we were locked in when the cannons went off would be an understatement. Adrenaline running high, we put in our all. We quickly gained on Pembroke and secured our first bump of the May’s campaign, earning the top spot in Division 4 and a chance to race again for a place in the higher division.
Instead of rowing home, we pulled in at marshalling (luckily in a shady spot!), waiting for our chance to row again, this time chasing Magdalene’s W2. The start sequence still fresh in our muscles, launched hard and caught Magdalene just before Newnham bridge, bumping up into Division 3 and ending Day 1 with two successful races (+2)!
At the bottom of Division 3, we were hungry for more, hungry for blades. We knew, catching Lucy Cavendish’s W2 would be hard. Chased by Clare’s W3 we were gaining on Lucy – ecstatic we started pushing harder, hoping for a fast bump. However, whilst we were gaining, so were they, closing the gap on the boat ahead. Lucy caught Queen’s W3 before we could get to them. This row would be longer than we’d hoped. We changed our racing strategy, locked back in, and started going in for an overbump on Jesus W3. We were slowly gaining on them, eating away on their puddles. But once again, fate stepped in—Jesus managed an overbump of their own on Caius W3 before we could reach them. We had a strong row, but ultimately rowed the full course without a bump on Day 2.
Sitting close to the bottom of division 3, which meant starting close to Baitsbite Lock,, we caught both Queens W3 and Caius W3 before even passing Newnham bridge on day 3 and 4.
On our last row home, leaves in our hair and cheers from Clare Hallers watching from the tent on the Reach following us, we were over the moon. We had gained 4 places overall, and were incredibly proud to have clawed our way back into division 3!
– Isabel Conze and Annabelle Schmidt, 2024-2025 Women’s Captains
Clare Hall M1 and M2
The men’s side shone bright this May Bumps!
After months of early morning training, our M2 team kicked off their campaign with a bang by flying through the Getting On Race, securing a spot in Division 5. The first day of Bumps saw M2 positioned behind St Edmund’s and in front of Trinity Hall. A series of quick bumps in front led to a strong display of endurance as they rowed over, keeping Trinity Hall at bay. On day two, we quickly gained on Peterhouse M4—a decisive row that secured a monumental first bump for many of our crew. Day three continued our climb as we again demonstrated the level of power in our boat, chasing down Sidney Sussex M3 to secure the second bump of the season. On the final day, our streak continued as the men jubilantly caught up to First and Third M4, netting a fantastic overall +3 for the May Bumps campaign! The whole crew—including the subs and those who trained with us throughout the season—should be extremely proud of their achievements this year.
Our M1 crew began the May Bumps poised near the top of Division 3. On day one, we set off strong, chasing down our boat-house brothers in Clare M2 to achieve a decisive first bump. A tremendous double-overbump from Darwin M1 shook up the ladder for day two. Knowing this would be a tough one, we settled in for the 2k and chased down Darwin all the way to the top finish, keeping them close but ultimately unable to secure the bump. Nonetheless, we were proud of our efforts and knew that we had given them a good run. Day three saw us with the powerful Peterhouse M2 behind and St Catharine’s M2 in front; we set off strong and gained on St Catharine’s, but were unable to hold off the Peterhouse crew. Feeling somewhat down, we reminded ourselves that this was the nature—and fun—of Bumps: you never know what could happen, and you cannot control the crews around you. We knew that for the final day we just had to row our best race. And that we did: we held off Magdalene M2 all the way to the top finish, with a triumphant row over that reminded us how well we can work as a team. I am so very proud of all the effort that our M1 put in together this year. Although short-lived, we did manage to reach the highest position (2nd in Division 3) that a Clare Hall team has ever achieved!