New Filippi Eight for ULBC Women

University of London BC’s women’s squad celebrated the launch of a brand new Filippi racing eight yesterday, as part of a special award won by their men’s captain Jamie Cook. In October the 21-year-old student received the prestigious Parmigiani Spirit Award after demonstrating the core values of rowing and inspiring others to success.

Club members gathered at ULBC’s Chiswick boathouse on Wednesday to launch the new boat, donated thanks to the generosity of Parmigiani Fleurier, World Rowing’s partner for the Spirit award.

Special guests included FISA President Denis Oswald, President Elect Jean-Christophe Rolland and Executive Director Matt Smith who had flown in from Switzerland for the occasion. 

Parmigiani CEO Jean-Marc Jacot was also present, together with British Rowing Chairman Annamarie Phelps as well as several ULBC alumni and GB rowers including Jess Eddie, Frances Houghton and Nathaniel Reilly O’Donnell. 

Jean-Marc Jacot, said, “This boat, this is what we can bring to the club. We are so proud to be here with these young men and women. The first step is to support them in their endeavours.”

Donated to the UL women’s squad, the university women’s first eight were thrilled with the “Parmigiani Spirit 2013”. 

Cox Freya Hoyle said, “It’s such a nice boat – it’s great to have something that’s brand new and it means that it’s easier to make adjustments for everyone.”

The crew competed in the recent Women’s Head in the “Parmigiani Spirit 2013”, coming eighth for the second year running, despite stiffer opposition at this year’s event.  

At the official launch, the boat was put through its paces again by members of the women’s eight including World U23 bronze medallists Emily Craig and Rosa Atkinson, who were later joined by Jamie and Olympic champion Jean-Christophe Rolland.

“New boats have that amazing feel,” said the Parmigiani prize winner afterwards, adding: “And it’s always good to row with the girls!” 

Look out for details of how to enter the 2014 Parmigiani Spirit Award at www.worldrowing.com.