The event attracts up to 7,000 spectators, and consists of four main competitions of which CUWBC competes in three: the Newton Women’s Boat race; the Newton Women’s Heavyweight Reserves race; and the Women’s Lightweight race. A squad comprised of the most determined and talented students from the 31 college boat clubs take part in a year long trialling process, culminating in final selection for three crews: the Blue Boat, Blondie (Heavyweight Reserves) and Lightweights. To date, the cumulative win tally at the Henley Boat Races for all three crews is Cambridge University’s 80 to Oxford’s 54.

The club, founded in 1927, competes in major national competitions in addition to the Henley Boat Races. Recent victories have included the W.IM2 category at the Women’s Head of the River Race, and Championship Gold in the British Universities regatta.