Bumps

The Bumps takes place twice a year, towards the end of the Lent Term ("Lents") and towards the end of the Easter Term ("Mays"). From the speed and technique of the first division down to the amusement and chaos of the lower divisions, each race has something to offer both the spectator and competitor alike.

Each division has seventeen boats that start a length and a half apart, all at the same time. If a boat makes contact with, or overtakes, the boat ahead of it, a ‘bump’ is made, the two boats draw into the bank and swap starting order the following day. The races take place over four days and starting places on the first day are carried over from the previous year (the Lents and Mays divisions are separate).

The start

The boats start a length and a half apart. There are three guns at the start. Two warning guns are fired at four and one minute before the start, the third gun is the start.

The finish

The first eight in each division row to Chesterton Bridge and the remainder finish at Morley Holt. The ninth boat can finish at either post.

Bumps Terminology

Bump

One boat overtakes or makes contact with the boat in front of it.

Row Over

This occurs when a crew neither bumps, nor gets bumped. It starts at the same place the following day.

Overbump

If a crew bumps out (catching the crew in front of it), the boat behind can try and catch the crew that started three places in front of it.

Sandwich Boat

The crew that ends up at the top of a division takes part at the bottom of the next division on the same day. If the sandwich boat bumps in the higher division it stays there – if it rows over, it must row as the top boat in the original division on the following day.

Winning Blades

If a crew moves up four or more places over the four days of racing, they may be awarded "blades". These are racing blades painted in college colours with the crew list and race results signwritten on them.

Head Of The River (Head Boat)

The crew at the top of the first division.

There is a certain amount of luck in bumps racing. If a fast boat is chasing a slower boat that is in turn chasing an even slower boat, the fast crew may well have to "row over" if a bump is made in front. Not very fair, but it certainly makes for exciting racing!