Training & Support

The Ladder of Success

Cambridge University Boat Club is proud of the ladder of success it can offer oarsmen. The reserve crew, always referred to as Goldie (but not to be confused with the Boathouse!), is the proving ground for the next generation of Blues. In many Cambridge Blue Boats over the years there have been those who had never touched an oar until arriving at the University. They served their apprenticeship in Goldie and then secured a place in the first crew, the Blue Boat. Of these, some have gone on to achieve international distinction at World Championship and Olympic level.

The Development Squad

Below the Goldie level, CUBC supports a Development Squad of promising oarsmen drawn directly from the Colleges. The Development Coach provides coaching support to College level rowers - his job is to improve the standard of rowing in the serious College crews. In doing this he can identifiy College rowing talent which capable of making that transition to CUBC Squad Triallist. And from there, the ladder could be into Goldie - with the ultimate aim, as described above, of achieving a Blue.