The 2016/17 season has seen a number of changes to MUBC. September saw the arrival of our new Head Coach John Impey. John has over 25 years of experience in the sport and his enthusiasm and knowledge has been invaluable in moving the club forwards. The new academic year also saw another huge intake – with over 500 students registering their interest in rowing. As ever we struggle to retain such large numbers, although our novice squads have shown great breadth and depth throughout the year – a testament to themselves and their captains.
The club was fortunate enough this year to benefit from the university’s investment in the fleet arranged by our very own Oliver Whalley. These vital repairs have extended the life of some of most worn shells and have allowed many more members to be on the water simultaneously. Our new landing stage has seen the damage to equipment dramatically reduce this year, and the money saved on avoidable repairs allowed us to completely refurbish our rowing machine stock. Our members have enjoyed the use of all sixteen of our machines – up from nine at the end of last year!
A (somewhat) successful application to the university has allowed us to purchase a lightweight Aylings 1x and a heavyweight ERB 2x. These boats greatly increase the flexibility that captains have when organising outings, which will improve small boat skills and allow more athletes to train at any one time. A stern-loaded coxed four currently sat in the boathouse is next on John’s purchase list as a development boat for novice athletes!
With the possibility of a new home on the Irwell on the horizon, we are working tirelessly to bring the university on board to secure the site for MUBC alongside a new community club. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving the club and look forward to seeing MUBC move from strength to strength in the coming years. I wish the new committee the best of luck in their efforts for the 2017/18 season.
Thomas Davies – MUBC President 2016/17
