BBC Old Collegians Rowing Club Inc. 2021 Sportsman's Lunch

A genuine piece of BBC Rowing Folk Lore, the New Collegian was a champion pedigree from the outset. Christened at the season start in 1988 as the boat for the U16 1st VIII the crew went on to record a victorious season, including a win at the Head of the River Regatta.  

Successful season followed successful season as the New Collegian was the boat of choice for BBC’s U16’s and many a current member of the OCRC holds fond memories of training and racing the boat.

Chris Beech, the coach and Lifetime Memeber of the OCRC recalls the quality of the boat, including its use in the 2000 season for the U16 3rd VIII. Thereafter the boat was being considered to be “put out to pasture”.

Enter Simon Newcombe.  For those of you who have dealt with Simon Newcombe, a larger than life Rowing Master from BBC across the late, 80’s & 90’s, knew he never looked a gift horse in the mouth, and Simon promptly secured the New Collegian for the use of the Centenary RC in its formative years.

Today the champion spirit of the New Collegian lives on with skilled wood working adapting it for a new use. The finished product showcases the quality of craftsmanship that went into its original build, Kevlar may be light but wood is forever. A truly unique offering, never to be repeated.