Roger Silk

Roger was invited to become Head Coach of CUWBC in 1984, and proceeded to put in place a system that has yielded incredible success for CUWBC oarswomen, both in the Boat Races, and on the international stage. Roger returned to the squad in 2003 and immediately set about rebuilding the system that had provided so many Cambridge wins. The fruits of his labours have started to be realised already, with the Blue Boat winning in 2005.

Boatman at Lady Margaret for 40 years before retiring in 2002, Roger had also been a driving force in a long era of LMBC rowing, producing several of our most famous internationals during that era: Annamarie Phelps, Mike Sweeney, Guy Pooley, David Sturge, Jamie McLeod and Neil Christie, to name but a few.

Roger is always keen to bring his skills as a designer and craftsman to help the squad, and this is reflected in many of the new and innovative pieces of equipment that have been introduced through CUWBC over the years. Of particular note are his low drag catamarans (not only used by CUWBC, but also to be seen in support of the GB rowing team), and sweep oar attachments for Concept 2 Ergometers.

Ron Needs

Ron came to CUWBC in 1989, joining Roger in the role of joint Head Coach. Ron brings an almost unrivalled knowledge of technical, physiological and biomechanical information to the squad, enabling the training programme to bring the absolute best out of each and every athlete.

Ron is a familiar face on the international scene, having been involved in coaching the British Squad for many years. He is currently involved in the women's eight group, which surpassed all expectations at the 2005 World Championships in Gifu, Japan by coming 5th, only 3 seconds behind the winners, Australia.

Among numerous distinctions, Ron earned one of the early ARA Gold Coaching awards, then received the ARA Medal of Honour in 1987. Ron was made a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta in 1989. This year, Ron was greatly honoured to receive the Mussabini medal, one of the most prestigious awards that can be presented to a sports coach in the United Kingdom.

Pete Convey

Since joining the CUWBC coaching team in 1985, Pete has been involved every year, bar two when he was working in Antarctica. Chairman of the CUCBC since 1995 and Senior Umpire for the Lent and May Races since the mid 1980s, Pete helps CUWBC work in harmony with the Colleges, a spirit of co-operation which has consistently benefited both parties.

His role as CUCBC Chairman allows Pete to maintain an active interest in developing Cambridge rowers right from when they first pick up an oar, through to, and beyond, the University squads.

Kat Astley

A product of the CUWBC system, Kat noviced at Queens' College and proceeded to win three Boat Races, stroking first Blondie to victory in 1996, then the Blue Boat in 1997 and finally as President in 1998. Having been successful as a rower, CUWBC finally persuaded Kat to join us in a coaching capacity in 2004, and she has demonstrated her capabilities in this role. She continues to row at a high level, winning the Women's Eights Head of the River Race in 2005 with Leander Club. The perspective of a current high-level athlete is invaluable to the squad.

Nick Acock

Cox of Blondie in 2003, Nick now acts as the squad's coxing advisor in addition to coaching the rowers. The luxury of having a coach working closely with the coxes and developing skills needed in training and on race day is something that few groups have. It shows CUWBC's determination to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of excellence. Nick has recently taken up the position of Boatman for Clare College and is working towards his Instructors Award.

Andy Nield

Andy has been working as boatman and trailer driver for CUWBC since 2005. He is not averse to lending his experience (he holds the ARA Bronze Award and has coached athletes to success in both the BIRC and the CRASH-Bs), in other areas, however, helping out with the coaching wherever possible.