This weekend, dozens of boats will appear on the River Wear and compete in hundreds of races in the 192nd Durham Regatta. Trevelyan College Boat Club will, of course, be there, and we are looking forward to another good year for the club.

The Club is going from strong to stronger

James Robinson

Throughout this year, TCBC has had some great success. Our men’s teams are, at worst, the second fastest college, and that should show in this weekend’s regatta. Here at HEX, we’ve interviewed the men’s novice captain, Alex Ludlow, and the two new co-presidents, James Robinson and Ed Cleeve, to discuss the upcoming race and what it means to the club. All three of them are excited for the regatta, not just because it is fun, but also because Trevs should do very well this year. They believe that TCBC is strong across all levels, with Alex commending the novices’ performances. Throughout the past few years, the number of TCBC’s entries in the regatta has dramatically surged from four or five, to sixteen this year. As James said, the club is just going from strong to stronger.

At the regatta, our pair sweep-oared boat is one to watch. They have been on a winning streak recently, with outstanding performances at the Durham City, Hexham, and Tees regattas. TCBC’s coxed 4s that are racing the long course will also be blisteringly fast, and have a significant homefield advantage. But really, all of the 4s are in a good place, including our novice boats. Most of the men’s boats are expected to reach the finals, and hopefully win a few. All of this success comes from work, preparation, and determination. Over the last few weeks, despite exam season, TCBC has been on the river three times a week practicing race starts and pace. The novice sessions have ramped up for their debut at this local regatta. Much of this has taken place on the Wear, allowing the rowers to get accustomed to the river’s landmarks, turns and quirks, especially coaching the boats through the narrow gaps of Elvet Bridge. The Exec has been working overtime, too, with a three hour planning session for this regatta alone. 

TCBC is for everyone, very competitive or otherwise

Ed Cleeve

So why all this work? Well, the Durham Regatta, according to James and Ed, is one of the “Big 3” races, especially because it’s local, accessible, and one of the oldest in the country. It is also good fun at the end of exam term, especially when you see the wall of spectators lining the banks, according to Alex. It is a “trial by fire” for the new presidents, in their own words, but it is also very exciting. The elections were only a few weeks ago, and the pair had to take the reigns and ensure that TCBC is at its best, all while juggling exams. 

The Durham Regatta will also serve as a good way to show the rest of Durham the direction that TCBC is heading in. As next year is its 50th anniversary, keeping up the recent good reputation is paramount. Trevs is, to some, beginning to become a “rowing college”. With a few important rowers graduating, intake is so important and the novices, a mix of school and new rowers, look great. Rowing has a steep learning curve, but Alex’s goal is to make it fun and competitive, to whatever degree the novices want.

Trevs is…beginning to become a “rowing college”

Alex Ludlow

To sum it all up, Durham Regatta will be a great opportunity for TCBC to continue doing as well as it has been. In James’ words, for this regatta, and next year, the goal is to “keep on punching”. We are certain that TCBC will deliver. So, this weekend, make your way down to the waterside, keep an eye out for the iconic Trevs blades, and show them your support!

The 192nd Durham Regatta will be held on 14th and 15th June 2025, with entertainment, food, a classic car collection, and more. Visit https://durham-regatta.org.uk/ for more information. 

Image: Edward Jex