May Bumps - race starting procedure

[Mark Jacobs]

Dear All,

Doubtless many of you will have heard the news following the weekend captains' meeting / cox briefings, but for those unaware I'm sorry to say that we will not have our usual starting cannon for the May Bumps. Following some recent maintenance work to the cannon, the company we've been using for several years to operate them on our behalf had their attention drawn to the most recent licencing information for antique firearms. The long and short of it is that they are unable to legally store / transport / fire them within their current licencing arrangements.

While we've been following up various leads, both within and beyond the university, we were ultimately unable to find a safe and legal solution for this week's racing. Rest assured though, the cannon will be back for our 200th anniversary next year!

We have looked into various backup options, and have settled on the use of athletics starter pistols - we believe that having three stationed along the towpath is a workable solution, so the familiar smell of black powder won't be entirely missing from the spectacle that is Bumps racing. All coxes have been briefed on the arrangements, so for those of you on the towpath with crews this week please rest assured that they know what to expect.

Good luck to the crews taking part this week, and thank you all for the ongoing support the Bumps receives from students, coaches, alumni and everyone else who comes down to be part of this special form of racing.

Regards,

Mark Jacobs

CUCBC Safety Advisor