The annual Cambridge cardboard boat race will no longer take place this year, its organisers announced yesterday (12/06). The official Facebook page for the event states that an inability to procure insurance for the event has led to its cancellation; a decision which the organisers assure “has not been taken lightly”.

The wacky Cambridge tradition, which dates back to 2010, sees students race their decorated boats made of only cardboard and duct tape down Jesus Lock, as a celebration following the end of exams. Boats have taken all shapes and sizes over the years, with awards given for the fastest, best-designed and longest-standing vessels.

The event had to be cancelled after all insurance companies contacted by the organisers refused to underwrite the event. As the event could no longer be run safely, organisers were forced to cancel just mere days before the boat race was set to take place.

Participants will no longer be able to compete this Sunday (18/06), instead urged to submit their designs for a showcase. This announcement has disappointed many students, with one prospective competitor expressing disappointment at the fact that their ‘Cardi B’ cardboard boat would not be making its nautical debut.

Despite organisers of the boat race strongly urging against any informal running of the event, a Facebook event entitled ‘Unofficial Cardboard Flotation Event 2023’ emerged online, not even a day after the cancellation announcement. Students eager to continue on with the cardboard-related festivities are said to be organising races for themselves at Grantchester Meadows or along the Cam.

Kani, a first-year student at King’s College, told Varsity that her team was deeply “hurt and saddened” by the news of the cancellation, particularly as they had spent over twenty pounds on supplies, despite being “poor students”. The relatively short notice with which the decision was conveyed also seemed to be a source of annoyance for those set to compete.

Rose, a first-year who was eager to spectate, expressed disappointment at the loss of the unifying effect she believes the cardboard boat race often has, stating that “there are very few events that bring Cambridge as close together” as this one. Anyone can participate in the boat race, as long as they make boats that consist only of tape, cardboard and PVA glue.

Organisers said in their announcement that they “remain hopeful that the race will be able to take place next year” and that they will “make every effort to continue this time-honoured Cambridge tradition in a safe and considerate manner.”