Standing on Midsummer Common, you could be forgiven for looking past the shabby exterior of Robs and towards the picturesque facade of Cambridge University’s Goldie boathouse that wouldn’t look out of place on a classic Christmas card. Yet despite being an underdog against the might of one of the foremost rowing universities in the country and its associate colleges; not to mention the band of other town clubs on the Cam, the rowers at Roy Roy have continued to hold their own and consistently perform well above their station.
Founded in 1880, Rob Roy Boat club, known locally as ‘Robs’, has always catered for all athletes, regardless of ability. Many a future-blue has passed through the doors of the CRA boathouse where Robs is based, along with a handful on internationals and national champions.
The Junior Squad is the most successful of any in Cambridge, and continues to startle at national venues where most opposition assume the small squad will put up little fight against more well-known programmes. Much of this success is attributed to the dynamism of athletes who, regardless of crew, focus on a simple measure of success: Excellence in small boats. This allows juniors to switch seamlessly between crews, meaning ‘scratch crews’ can outperform more established combinations. This is, in part, thanks to the effort of the coaches who work together to coach a common technique that produces technical prowess and interoperability between crews.
The club’s junior section is split into three squads: Development, Racing, and Performance, with around 40 athletes ages 13-18 training on the water at weekends, and on the land during the week. The Racing and Performance squads race throughout the year, both ‘on-Cam’ and ‘off-Cam’; successes include winning the Victor Ludorum at the 2018 Peterborough Junior Championships, whilst individual scullers have gained multiple golds at the British Indoor Championships, and represented Taiwan at the World Rowing Junior Championships.
After their time at Robs comes to an end, juniors have gone on to a variety of destinations, including Cambridge University, Sandhurst Military College, and UCL. Regardless of where they end up, juniors are always welcomed back to the club with the Away Student Membership that allows full access to club equipment and coaching.
Robs is, however, far from an all-junior affair. The club’s friendly atmosphere has allowed senior squads to achieve national success, including making the finals of the Wyfold Challenge Cup at 2013’s Henley Royal Regatta, as well as a history of strong placings at town bumps and on-Cam races.
Those looking to push themselves further will benefit from rowing out of Robs secondary base on the River Ouse, just outside of Ely. Used only by the University of Cambridge and a couple of local clubs, this beautiful but unforgiving stretch of uninterrupted water allows for unparalleled long-distance training. It even made out top-ten list of top rowing destinations!
Robs maintains a modest fleet of boats that aligns with their priorities to promote strength in small boats. Both Stretham and Cambridge stock a small armada of singles and doubles, whilst a selection of quads, fours and eights moves between venues as required. On dry-land, juniors train together at CURUFC, the University’s rugby ground, with the seniors taking on a self-regulated regiment, with access to ergs when needed.
So then, why would someone choose to join Robs? IF you’re looking for the flashiest, biggest club in the area, you need to search elsewhere. However, if you want to become part of a squad that promotes resilience, courage and integrity, Robs might just be the place for you.
Jo Burch, the Junior Coordinator, captures the sentiment shared by all at Robs in her motto, “If you’re prepared to try, I’m prepared to coach you!”.
Want to find out more about Robs? Check out their website
Interesting in joining? Contact them here
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Images via Rob Roy Boat Club
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