Two new Selwyn boats now grace the Cam, thanks to the generosity of supporters and the efforts of rowers. 

A pair, named John Whitbread honours a former member whose legacy to the club reflected his love of rowing and his wish for more people to take up the sport. It is joined by a four for the women's side, Fiona Morrison, named after one of the college's first female rowers.

The John Whitbread was launched by his daughter Fiona Cook (pictured left). 

Fiona said: "When I first visited the boathouse, I was moved to find my father's name on the boards recording the first eights, something his modesty meant he had never mentioned. This is a fabulous tribute to him."

The women's four was funded largely by the club's rowers. During spring 2025, the club held a 24-hour ergathon raising around £11,000 towards new equipment. The Friends of Selwyn College Boat Club then added to the fund, making it possible to buy a new boat for the women's squad.

Members and alumni were invited to suggest names for the four as so many people had been involved raising money. The whole club voted to produce a shortlist of three, before the women's side chose the final name. They picked Fiona Morrison, who joined Selwyn in 1976 as one of the college's first women students. She rowed in SCBC's first crew, earned a CUWBC Blue from 1977 to 1979 and served as president of the women's club in 1978 to 1979. 

Freya Jenkinson, the club's current president, said: "It was fitting we landed on the Fiona Morrison, especially as the next academic year will celebrate fifty years of women at Selwyn. She is just one of those women who made it possible for those students who followed her."

The boats were named at a ceremony at the boathouse on Saturday 20 June, the final day of the May Bumps. Brian Hornsby, Chair of the Friends of Selwyn College Boat Club, welcomed alumni and rowers before the boats were launched. Fiona Morrison was unable to attend, so the Master Suzanne Raine named the four on her behalf.

Our thanks go to the Friends of Selwyn College Boat Club and to the Whitbread family, whose support helped put two new boats on the water.