Paul Townshend, boathouse manager and rowing coach, gives us a rundown of all the action on the river from May Bumps.
May Bumps 2026: Roundup
Posted:
18 Jun 2026
Trinity Hall boathouse next to the River Cam. The sky is blue and the College flag is flying outside
Day 4 – Saturday
M3 had plenty to prove on their final day of racing as they chased Sidney Sussex O3 from station 3. Both crews made a solid start but from very early on it became clear that this race would follow a different path than those preceding it where less than one minute of rowing had been enough to get the job done. This time both crews fought valiantly and appeared unwilling to yield any ground to the other. Finally, as the crews passed The Plough, The Hall began making inroads which continued around Ditton and onto the Long Reach before finally reeling in Sidney 250m before the Railway Bridge for an extremely hard-fought final bump of the week, M3 ended the week +3 (with the 4th day being the day one technical row over) so huge congratulations to the crew for a stellar week.
M2 sat on the start line of this year’s Mays for the final time focussed on chasing down Fitzwilliam O2, a crew that had eluded them on day one and being chased by Pembroke O3. Fitzwilliam had by far their best start of the week and held station with THBC until The Plough when they began edging away. Meanwhile, in all honesty, THBC were going to experience the adage that sometimes you have to ‘win ugly’ by grinding out a result rather than it being a thing of beauty and zen rowing. By their own admission, the crew have had stronger rows that they exhibited on this occasion. However, despite this they still had to do a job and defend their position from a charging and increasingly confident Pembroke O3. Whistles in favour of Pembroke began before The Plough and increased in their frequency and volume around Ditton. Onto The Long Reach three whistles commenced. Continuous next. And then…….by evasive steering from the THBC cox and sheer stubbornness for the entire THBC crew ….THBC withheld everything their opponents could throw at them including an erroneous and mistaken belief that there had been a bump (there hadn’t) meaning that the race picked up once again under the Railway Bridge and all the way to the Bottom Finish. THBC had performed one of the soon-to-be legendary Bumps escapes somehow having a length of clear water between the crews by the finish. The Bumps charts will not detail quite how the row-over was achieved – just that it happened. Those who witnessed it happen in real time are unlikely to forget it! M2 have been a fabulous crew all year and they will have learned so many lessons. The vast majority of this boat will be back next year and for many years in many cases. Today will serve them well. They have done themselves and THBC proud all year and that includes the 2026 Mays. Well done all!
After yesterday’s exertions versus St Catharine’s, W2 were faced with a very tough opponent in an experienced-laden Jesus W3 who on the day just had a little too much for our crew on this occasion. However, W3 ended the week in position 8 of Division 3 and much like M2, all will be back for more next year and beyond. The crew should be enormously encouraged by all that they have achieved this year and with the lessons learned and the experienced gained the future of women’s rowing at THBC ought to be bright with many of this crew hopefully looking to fill the shoes of the women that have preceded them and got THBC W1 to 2nd on the river (more on that later). Well rowed W2, have a fabulous summer and looking forward to seeing you all again in September.
And down to the final two races….the First Boats…
M1 lined up at station 5 determined to catch Christ’s O1 in front who had escaped their clutches in the melee that was the first day of the 2026 May Bumps. In another twist of fate to affect M1 this year, Hughes Hall O1 in front of Christ’s took what can only be described as the scenic route off the start veering to their cox’s left, followed by hard rudder to the right and into the path of the oncoming Christ’s boat who effected the most simple bump in recent history within fifteen strokes. Undeterred, THBC set off looking for an audacious over bump on Caius O2 who were themselves chasing Robinson O1 who had started the week in the top division. The Hall crew were making great inroads through The Gut and long Plough Reach and hopes were high as the crews entered Ditton Corner. However, at this point, Caius O2 managed to bump their foe leaving THBC in no-man’s land. M1 decided not to take their foot off the gas and the very strong and stylish row to Top Finish was full of great technique and illustrated just how far this crew has come this academic year. This crew has trained diligently and been very focussed on improving their position on the river which they have achieved in spades. Seventh Cam College in the Fairbairn’s, up two places in the top division of the Lent Bumps and now up two in the Mays is a fantastic return. It would only be fair to note also that with a little more good fortune on their side at crucial times then their returns this year could have been even more successful. We will now save up that luck for future campaigns but huge congratulations to the men’s side of THBC for their achievements in this set of bumps and throughout this academic year.
And so it was left to W1 to bring the curtain down on this year’s May Bumps and to conclude the racing for this academic year. The crew boated with a clear focus on chasing the headship boat from Jesus after three extremely strong row overs on the first three days. They saved their best til last! Never under any threat from the third place Caius W1, THBC held station with Jesus all the way until the Railway Bridge and were the closest they had come at all week when they eventually got to Top Finish. Their time over the course was around 15 seconds, or five boat lengths, faster than the previous races this week. It is difficult to put into words how well this crew have performed this week. Thanks to the efforts of the W1’s that have preceded them since my arrival in 2018 (when THBC were near the top of Division Two!) this crew have found themselves within arm’s reach of a historic Headship. I, and the 2026 crew, thank all of those previous incumbents for what they did and congratulate them on what they have achieved. These people have personified and enacted the mantra of the NZ All Blacks in ‘planting trees they will never see’. Thank you – you know who you are! For this year’s crew to row over all four days, completely unchallenged from behind (no crew encroached on station or gained a single whistle) is an extraordinary achievement and one the crew should be enormously proud of but one that all of the Trinity Hall community can be proud of. This year’s W1 end their year 2nd on the river in the Mays, 2nd on the river in the Lents, 3rd in the Fairbairn’s, winners of the Radegund Mile for the 4th year in a row…I could go on. Well done W1 on a fantastic week which has topped off a wonderful academic year.
And there we have it – another May Bumps in the history books. Yet again THBC has proved itself a major force on the river. We are undoubtedly at the top table of top College boat clubs in Cambridge and once again we have proven that we can do this in the right way with an appropriate mix of technical ability, strength and fitness, determination and stubbornness while always doing this in the right spirit and showing exemplary sportsmanship at all times. For this we should all be proud. We should be proud of the amount of support that we receive on the bank not only from current students, Alumni who find time to come and support and from members of the wider Trintiy Hall community including our Master, Mary, who is without doubt the Head of House with the best attendance record for Bumps from across the University. I would also like to recognise the efforts of Trinity Hall students who keep Cam FM running meaning those away from Cambridge can keep abreast of the racing as it happens. It is also noticeable from the towpath during racing how much goodwill there is from people not connected to THBC at all – from other College crews and other coaches. This says everything about who we are, how we do things and how we are perceived. Once again, THBC has shown itself in its very best light and I, for one, could not be more proud to be associated with this great club. Have a great summer everyone. Until next time…Row Hall!
Day 3 - Friday
M3 picked up where they left off the previous day in dispatching of Selwyn O3 well before First Post corner. The Selwyn boat had evaded THBC on day one by bumping LMBC just as the Hall were closing in on them. A claim start and a perfectly executed bump by the crew and especially the cox set the record straight and set up a showdown with the Sidney Sussex O3 boat that had been the beneficiary of the three boat sandwich (THBC, Selwyn and LMBC from day one where they had rowed past and over bumped. Huge well done to M3 on another great day. Let’s end an already great week in the very best way possible….with ANOTHER bump!
M2 followed with a very strong row over after a tough first two days showing exactly why they have been an excellent crew all year. They were never really challenged from gun (aka ‘starting pistol’ for the 2026 Mays – it’s a long story…) to tape being able to take the rate and pressure down from halfway down the Long Reach all the way through the finish and in doing so saving energy for their final day on Saturday.
W2 raced as they had all week – with great technique and a great sense of determination – in fending off St Catharine’s W2 for almost the entire course. After a great start, THBC got into a strong rhythm and it was deadlock until The Plough when Catz began edging closer. All the way down the Long Reach the two crews traded pushes and holds with the outcome still far from obvious. Under the railway bridge and beyond there was never more than half a boat length between these two crews before finally, at the P&E Catz finally managed to overhaul THBC who had fought so valiantly for over eight minutes only to be finally caught with 300m of the race left. However, this should in no way diminish the effort that this race took from both crews. Well rowed Catz! And THBC, with all the rowers in their first May Bumps, this will be, I believe, a seminal moment and the time when all of those rowers moved onto another level in terms of their rowing at Trinity Hall. I, for one, cannot wait to see where they can go from here once the 2026 are a distant memory and the 2026/27 academic year begins.
M1 continued their strong form from day two on Friday. An extremely powerful start moved to a hugely dominant row where they simply overpowered Wolfson O1 just after First Post and conveniently right in front of The Master who didn’t need to move an inch! Short and sweet with energy saved for a final day assault where they would aim to chase Christ’s O1, Hughes Hall O1 and was an over bump on Caius O2 possible? Well raced M1 and well done on a perfectly timed bump in front our of supporters.
W1 rounded off another great bumps day with a third powerful row-over from second on the river once again not allowing the Jesus headship boat to row away from them while at the same time giving Caius W1 no hope of a catch at any point. Caius in turn held of Pembroke W1 again as the top four paces remained unchanged. Yet more experience gained for many of this crew racing at this level for the first time. A confident, composed and clinical row that belied the relative lack of rowing experience from this largely home-grown crew. One more day, one more shot at Jesus and one more opportunity to illustrate to all that THBC is very much at the top of the top table in women’s rowing at Cambridge. Well rowed W1.
Day 2 - Thursday
After what seemed a little like organised chaos on the river for all crews concerned, ‘normal’ (or as ‘normal’ as Bumps racing can be) service was resumed.
M3 had an absolutely stellar day, taking a mere twenty strokes to catch and bump St John’s College’s Lady Margaret Boat Club (LMBC) and earn their first foliage of this year’s campaign. Huge congratulations to the crew on a very professional and clinical display, which bodes well for the coming days.
M2 returned to the river determined to take the week on very positively and made a fantastic start as they sought to chase down Lucy Cavendish O1. The crews held station for much of the first 2 minutes of the race while Jesus O3 behind started making inroads. A titanic struggle ensued past The Plough and onto the Long Reach until, unfortunately for THBC, the Jesus boat just managed to overhaul our boat by the spin zone along the Long Reach. This boat will be back for more on day three and will be striving to end their week in as positive a way as possible.
Unfortunately for W2, a similar story to M2 played out as they were chasing LMBC, strongly moving onto whistles along The Gut and round Grassy, Two then three….meanwhile Clare W2 were chasing from behind, having gone up the previous day. Once again this week it became a ‘who can bump who first’ and sadly, after a fabulous fight for three minutes, LMBC managed to hang on just long enough for the last handful of strokes allowing, Clare to effect a bump on THBC moments before they would have had the chance to do the same to LMBC. Bad luck W2, but well rowed. Onto the next two days with yet more experience in the tank and even more determination than before.
After a great but ultimately frustrating row on day one for M1 (technical row over), the story could not have been more different on day two. The crew arrived at the start determined to impose themselves immediately upon Girton O1, and that is exactly what ensued. Whistles began after a mere thirty seconds and an immaculate bump was executed by the crew, and especially the THBC cox, as they approached First Post corner. The race lasted under one minute thirty seconds. A truly professional and clinical race and a credit to the giant strides this crew has made this year. Onto day three, where M1 will be chasing Wolfson O1 and hopefully exacting a revenge bump to avenge the reverse from a couple of campaigns ago. Fantastic row M1 and have a great Friday!
W1 once again rowed a fabulously mature row during which, like day one, they never came under any serious threat from the experienced Caius W1 boat behind. Unfortunately, the Headship boat from Jesus also rowed an excellent race and executed their plan and used their advantages from being on the Head station to its fullest, rowing over strongly in front. Pembroke W1 did not manage to catch Caius meaning that on Friday the start order at the top remains unchanged – Jesus, THBC, Caius, Pembroke. The week so far has been a fantastic one for W1 holding second place on the river comfortably showing both their physical and mental strength, their massively improved technical ability and ultimately their determination to remain at the very top of the College rowing tree. And that they are managing with great aplomb. Bravo!
A very good day overall for THBC and two more days to go!
We look forward to welcoming yet more supporters to the river for Friday and Saturday – please gather on the Long Reach opposite the towpath side where numbers are accumulating each day and cheer on all of our crews who hugely appreciate the support we receive.
Row Hall!
Day 1 - Wednesday
Arguably the highlight of the academic year’s rowing began with fabulous conditions albeit with a strong headwind. This year THBC automatically qualified five crews, 3 Open and 2 into the Women’s categories.
As is now customary, M3 led the charge with a highly effective race including a thundering start which saw them catching Selwyn O3 in front. Within the first minute, whistles began and soon the crew were on two blasts as they closed in on their opponents. Frustratingly, Selwyn were also closing in on LMBC O4 and it became a race to see who could bump who first! THBC were within six feet of overlap when Selwyn just managed to bump LMBC leading to all three crews holding up with great skill. As a result, THBC were commended by the Senior Umpire for their hold up and clearing and awarded a technical row over meaning they will now face LMBC O4 on day two. Well done THBC!
M2 followed and again more stop-start racing. After a great first 20 strokes, THBC closed in on Fitzwilliam O2 in front while holding off at CUBC-laden Lucy Cavendish O1 behind before the whole division was brought to a premature stop by a lack of effective clearing in front around First Post corner, A re-row was ordered. Once again THBC held Lucy Cavendish and closed on Fitz in front. As the crews approached Grassy Corner, THBC’s cox took the inside line with a canvas between them and Fitz. Sadly, a stroke side blade clipped the posts on the inside of the corner which upset the crews ‘set’ and rhythm allowing Fitz to escape our grasp and meant a charging Lucy Cavendish O1 could catch M2. The crew were philosophical afterwards and will come back on day two seeking revenge.
W2 next up. As was the case in this year’s Lent Bumps, W2 is comprised of 8 rowers all in their first year of rowing and this is their first May Bumps. The crew did not disappoint. W2 rowed away from Queens W2 behind, increasing the gap so significantly that it pushed them onto Homerton, and Queens were eventually bumped by Clare W2. An impressive row over developed, with the crew rowing so well that they were able to back off and paddle the last 500m or so to save energy for day two. They will aim to bump LMBC W2 who Homerton managed to catch before The Plough. Fingers crossed for a maiden bump for this crew and very well rowed today!
M1 came into this year’s Mays in great spirits and not short of confidence (or speed) after a successful term and a number of very encouraging sparring sessions with crews in the top half of the O1 division including the Headship boat. A super race ensued with THBC finding their speed early chasing Christ’s O1 and they sought to catch Girton O1 before we could get to them. What ensued was almost a carbon copy of the M3 race. THBC were on whistles and closing at a rapid pace when Caius O2 caught Wolfson just in front sending a boat across the river. At the same time Christ’s managed to get overlap with Girton and THBC were a canvas off Christ’s. As a result of the Caius/Wolfson situation in front and the proximity of the approaching crews, including our own M1, racing was halted, claxons sounded and THBC were left in limbo through no fault of their own. Christ’s were generously awarded a bump on Girton while THBC were awarded ANOTHER technical row over (seemed to be the order of the day!). The crew debriefed very positively afterwards and are looking forward to chasing Girton O1 on day two. Fabulous effort M1 – onwards and upwards!
Finally came W1 starting from Station 2 in the top division. THBC arrived full of confidence after a great year so far and a strong Easter term leading into the Mays. Jesus W1 were on Head station with a boat strengthened from the Lents boat by CUBC returners and the same could be said for Caius W1 on station 3, as they lined up with their CUBC representatives in the boat also. THBC had a fantastic start and settled onto a strong rhythm to The Plough holding much of the distance with Jesus W1, while absorbing the many pushes from Caius W1 which continued all the way down the Long Reach. Jesus managed to eek out a little more space but THBC were still in contact and still in the race. Caius continued to work hard along the Long Reach and W1 continued to withstand everything Caius could throw at them eventually pulling away and extending well beyond starting station before the Railway Bridge and on the way to the P&E which meant that eventually our crew could really wind down and paddle from Bottom Finish down to their final destination before the Green Dragon bridge. A very mature race from W1 and one that will give confidence for the coming days as we hope for sunny skies and a bit less wind!
So, as the title suggests, a somewhat stop-start day not only for THBC but for all crews on the river. THBC will take great heart from two technical row overs, two strong row overs and a very close bump that didn’t quite come off but showed the speed that is in that particular boat.
Onto day two!
Row Hall!