At Grey College Boat Club (GCBC), we are currently fundraising for a new heavyweight IV. While the club has had a successful few years acquiring new boats, much of our fleet remains significantly outdated.

​Our current men’s second 4+ is between 30 and 40 years old and has major structural problems. Due to its age, parts are increasingly difficult to replace. We are having to repair components regularly, and the boat’s steering is unreliable, raising both performance and safety concerns.

A new men’s 4+ would be beneficial for several key reasons:

1. Performance & Competitiveness

A race-ready 4+ would significantly improve our men’s squad's competitiveness, enabling high-quality training and racing.

2. Reliability & Safety

Sessions are sometimes disrupted due to technical issues with the current boats. A new 4+ would provide reliability and safer steering, ensuring more consistent water time.

3. Supporting a Growing Club

GCBC is the largest it has ever been, with the sending of two women’s VIIIs to the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race for the first time. The men are sending two VIIIs to the Head of the River Race for the first time since 2023.

With the club continuing to grow, a new men’s 4+ will allow more members to train and compete at a high standard for years to come.

Grey College JCR are also matching any donations up to £1500. Also we have received a grant from the Rowing Foundation, but it must be spent within 3 months. Therefore, we urgently need to raise the remaining funds as quickly as possible - so every donation now has an immediate impact in helping us secure the new men’s 4+.