Cambridge '99 Rowing Club, also known as 'Nines', was formed in 1899 and is the third oldest of the 'Town' clubs in Cambridge. The club has men's, women's and junior squads which compete at local and national level, with a key priority being Henley Royal Regatta. The club was founded in 1899 as a spin-off from the YMCABoat Club after some members decided they wanted to smoke, drink and row on Sundays. The 'Cambridge '99' name was chosen in recognition of the Cambridge UniversityBlue Boat which beat Oxford in The Boat Race in 1899 after a period of Oxford domination. The club's colours are a distinctive sky blue, old gold and green.
The boathouse
Nines boathouse is amongst the best-equipped in Cambridge, with large training areas for ergs and weights in addition to a considerable fleet of boats across all classes. There are also changing rooms, showers, fully equipped kitchen and well-stocked bar for social activities.
Members
Nines welcomes all levels of rower from the complete novice to those with national experience. The biggest race in the local calendar is the Cambridgeshire Rowing AssociationBumps in which all club members participate. The men's first boat currently holds the headship position and the women's first boat is currently in sixth place.
Club events
Nines organise two regattas each year. The regatta in the spring is for eights and mainly attracts local Cambridge College crews preparing May Bumps. The larger autumn regatta attracts crews from a wider area and includes races for a range of boat categories.
Rowing events and achievements
Nines has a strong record of developing rowers, with a number of members having competed at GB level and within the Cambridge University Blue squad. In the 1990 CRA Bumping Races, the Club was the first to hold the 'Head of the River' position simultaneously in both the Men's and Women's events, and in 2006 became the first Club to hold both first and second places on the river simultaneously in the Women's event. On the Thames, 1993 saw the Men's squad win the Jackson Trophy at the Head of the River Race, finishing in 13th position overall. Nines compete at all the local Cambridge events and also travel extensively throughout the UK to challenge at major events. Henley Royal Regatta is the key event for the Club, with crews entered most years, in addition to the Henley Women's event.
