History
Rowing began at St John's College in October 1910 when trials were held to select a crew for a IV. In 1911, however, the boat house was built thanks to the help of Revd Watts-Ditchfield who telling commented, "we have not won anything yet but can see improvements." Henry Ganderton played a leading role in developing the Club in the 1910s and 1920s. In the 1930s James Atkinson likewise made a great impression on rowing at St John's, captaining for both SJCBC and the University.Structure
The club is entirely run by students and attracts most of its members from St John's College – though anyone can join with the permission of the Captain of Boats. The club has around 80 active members. It is run by an executive committee, elected at the club's annual general meeting in June. These are Captain of Boats, Men's Squad Captain, Women's Squad Captain, Head Coxswain, Secretary, Treasurer, Head Boatman, Water Safety and Welfare Officer, Novice Development Officer, Social Secretary, Secretary to the Regatta Blue Club, and Publicity Officer. The club's alumni association, the Regatta Blue Club, maintains a strong link between past and present students who meet together for major events.Competition
The Club competes at a national, regional and college level, and has entered boats into BUCS, Head of the River Race (HoRR), Women's Head of the River Race (WeHorr), and the Boston Rowing Marathon.Head of The River Race
St. John’s College Boat Club have raced Head of the River Race fifteen times since 2001. The M1 crew won the Small Academic Pennant in 2023. The Clubs highest finish position is also recorded below.Women’s Head of the River Race
St. John's College Boat Club have raced Women's Head of the River Race seven times since 2003. The Clubs highest finish position is recorded below.Durham Regatta
Durham Regatta wins since 2009 are listed below.Other Events
St. John’s College Boat Club regularly competes successfully in races in the Northern Rowing region, with wins in the 2024-25 season at Durham Autumn Small Boats Head, Tyne New Years Head, Durham City Regatta, Tees Regatta, Wansbeck Regatta, and Durham Regatta. They also compete in DCR-organised events such as Senate Cup and Novice Cup.People
Captain of Boats
The Captain of Boats is the President of St John's College Boat Club, elected at the AGM in June. Listed below are previous Captains since 2017.Club colours
The blades are a dark Regatta blue and boats have Regatta blue and crimson chevrons on their bow-canvasses. The racing Lycra all-in-one is Navy blue with red and white stripes. The clubSee also
*References
{{United Kingdom rowing clubs 1910 establishments in England Durham University Rowing Clubs Sports clubs and teams established in 1910 St John's College, Durham Rowing clubs of the River Wear Rowing clubs in England