On 4th December 2021, at the end of a cold day of fierce racing at UBBC Head, over 100 students, alumni, and friends of UBBC huddled together in the UBBC boathouse to celebrate the achievements of Piers Robinson; UBBC Club Captain 1990-1991 and Henley Royal Regatta winner, and to formally name the club’s new men’s eight in his memory. We were pleased to welcome Piers’ wife Ingrid and their children Rory, Heidi, and Fergus.

We had the pleasure of hearing from Piers’ Henley-winning crewmates, Mark Langdale and Ashley Whittaker. Assisted by a ‘volunteer’ model from UBBC’s Novice squad, Mark gave us an exceptionally entertaining recollection of Piers’ design of the now-iconic Bristol Quarters, followed by Ashley sharing an inspirational insight into Piers’ determined mindset which led to UBBC’s first Henley Royal Regatta win in 1991.

Rory Robinson uncovered the bow of the new men’s eight to reveal the name Piers Robinson, before it was enthusiastically sprayed with champagne.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a very special afternoon. Read more about how the UBBC Alumni & Friends raised the funds for the new eight here.