St John's College Boat Club
Punching above its weight since 1910, St John’s College Boat Club combines sporting ambition with a strong sense of community on and off the water.
'EST DOLOR NOSTRA VICTORIA'
Based on site with its own boathouse, the club welcomes rowers and coxes of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.
Founded in 1910, St John’s College Boat Club (SJCBC) is one of Durham’s oldest college boat clubs. Based on site with its own boathouse and making use of a well-equipped gym within College for land training, the club welcomes rowers and coxes of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.
Each year, SJCBC runs a popular novice programme, giving new members the chance to learn to row or cox and compete in novice races, while experienced squads train and compete at collegiate, regional and national events across the North East and beyond. Alongside rowing, the club’s strong community spirit shines through regular social events, from pre-race crew dinners and post-race socials to the annual Christmas Dinner and Head of the River Races alumni gathering.
Joining SJCBC is a great way to make friends, stay active, and become part of one of John’s most historic and successful student societies.
Did you know?
At the 2026 Durham Regatta, SJCBC won gold in three major categories, the latest example of a small club that consistently punches above its weight on the water.
Hannah, Psychology
From the very beginning I was encouraged by teammates and coaches from the top boats at John’s who gave their time to help us novices learn and improve. This supportive environment makes the club such a special place, where older rowers mentor new ones and teammates genuinely care about each other’s achievement.
SJCBC in pictures
From early morning outings on the Wear to race days, regattas and the Head of the River Races in London, rowing is a big part of life at John’s. These photos capture the hard work, friendships and memorable moments that make SJCBC such a special part of the College community, both on and off the water. The club also enjoys a strong alumni network, with former members regularly returning to support crews, attend events and cheer on the next generation of Johnian rowers.
SJCBC
In the John's Chronicle
17 March 2026
Taking to the Tideway: The Women’s Eights Head of the River Race
Hannah Woodford describes her experience of racing for St John’s on the Tideway at WEHoRR, the largest women’s rowing race in the world, thanks to the support of the John’s Opportunities Fund. This March, I had the opportunity to compete in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WEHoRR) as a member of the […]
2 July 2025
St John’s and the Durham Regatta: A Brief History
Beyond the Bailey editor, Ruby Pike, explores the history of the Durham Regatta, with a closer look at St John’s College Boat Club’s previous performances in the event.
31 October 2023
Rosie at the Regatta
Coxswain Captain Rosie Allen has been able to enjoy time rowing across the country thanks to a grant from the St John’s College Student Opportunities Fund.