Boathouse

Perched on the riverbank opposite Midsummer Common, the club has stunning views across the Cam and sits less than 100 metres from the famous Cambridge University Goldie Boathouse, right in the heart of rowing country. On any given day, you’ll find the river alive with shells, laughter, and the buzzle of the boat bay.

Inside, the atmosphere is just as lively. Crews gather for early morning coffee before outings, the bar fills after sessions with chatter and hot food, and the place hums with the kind of camaraderie that only comes from shared miles on the water. Whether you’re here to chase medals, get fitter, or just enjoy the best view in Cambridge with a drink in hand, you’ll find your crew at 99s.

Thinking about joining?

Prospective members are always welcome to visit, just drop a message to one of the captains first, and they’ll be more than happy to give you a tour, introduce you to the squad, and maybe even rope you into an outing (or at least a coffee at the bar).

TRAINING FACILITIES

There are three main aspects of effective land training for rowing:

Ergometer pieces
Weights training
Core training

On the first floor of the club is a well-lit and ventilated training room, which is equipped with 17 ergometers, free weights including Olympic bars and bench press, two watt bikes, and a stretching area.

Downstairs is a multi-gym equipped with a power rack, leg-press machine, dips & pull-up bars, and more.

The club has a weights training scheme for developing essential strength, along with different core circuits based on individual ability.

Coxes have access to a purpose made room filled with cox boxes and orbs, head sets and tool kits.

Big Boats (Eights & Fours)

At 99s, our big boats are the pride of the boathouse, gleaming in the bays, ready to roll out for anything from dawn outings to championship finals. The women’s squad boast a fleet of top-end Hudson eights, perfectly set up for racing at speed, with additional shells for development and progression crews who are hungry to chase them down.

The men’s squad are equally well equipped, fielding elite-level Hudsons for our top crews, complete with carbon-fibre water bottle holders and all the trimmings, alongside a full spread of training shells for every level of rower. Whether you’re grinding through winter mileage or lining up for a regatta start, there’s a fast, well-balanced eight waiting for you.

Our fours are just as impressive, offering plenty of choice for every crew and purpose. From high-performance coxless and coxed fours that fly in head races, to quads designed for mastering steering and fine-tuning technique, they’re the perfect platform for developing precision, power, and teamwork. Whatever your goal, racing, training, or just chasing that perfect rhythn, our fleet is built to deliver.

Small Boats (Pairs, Doubles & Sculls)

When it comes to small boats, 99s stands out, we have one of the largest and most varied sculling fleets on the Cam. From elite-level racing shells to stable training boats, our collection lets every rower, from beginner to high performance, get out there and find their speed.

We have pairs and doubles to suit every purpose, high-quality carbon boats for those chasing medals, alongside reliable shells that are perfect for learning to steer and build confidence.

Our single sculls range from top-tier racing hulls to more forgiving designs for those still developing their technique. And for newcomers, we’ve got a fleet of Explorer boats, stable, sturdy, and ideal for learning the essentials before moving into finer shells.

Bar and Social

At 99s, the rowing might stop at the finish line, but the socialising definitely doesn’t! Our fully equipped kitchen and bar come to life after weekend outings, serving up hot food, strong coffee, and even stronger banter for the hungry returning crews. Thanks to a heroic team of volunteers (the real MVPs of the club).

From the legendary 99s parties and pub quizzes to crew dinners, BBQs, and post-race celebrations, there’s always a reason to gather, laugh, and raise a glass with your teammates. Whether you’ve just PB’d on the erg or crabbed spectacularly off the start line, everyone’s welcome at the bar afterwards — that’s where the best stories are told.

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