A new Women’s Empacher VIII 

In 1979, Magdalen College welcomed its first female students. Just two years later, in 1981, the Women’s Club of Magdalen College Boat Club was established. Since then, generations of women at Magdalen have raced in Torpids and Summer Eights with extraordinary commitment and determination, earning Headship five times and building a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

This year, the women of Magdalen will be represented across four boats in Summer Eights (W1–W4). Our First VIII now stands proudly 5th on the river, having climbed three places in 2025 alone and winning Blades this season. Magdalen was also represented by three athletes in this year’s Boat Race, including one rower who first learnt to row here at Magdalen in her first year at college. 

Over the past few years, MCBC has experienced remarkable growth, with more students than ever wanting to row. It has been a privilege to help support and enable this. Since the unification of the men’s and women’s clubs into a single MCBC, we have worked hard to build a culture of equality within the boat club: one club where every athlete is welcomed, valued, and supported.

Today, MCBC is home to more than 100 student members, over half are women. 

We stand at a pivotal moment in the club’s history. For the first time, we have the opportunity to ensure that the women of MCBC can train and compete with equipment that reflects the calibre of athletes within the club.

Our goal is to raise £55,000 towards the cost of the new boat. If you would like to support the MCBC, a donation, of any size, will have a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity.

Above all, we remain enduringly indebted to the women who came before us. Those of you who fought for the opportunity within the club. Your courage built the foundations on which we row today. We would not be here without you.

Thank you for your continued support of MCBC and its women.

With gratitude, Maria Villamil Captain of Boats