The new Boat Club was really properly started in October 1875, when the first Captain (A. F. Thornhill) was elected - and the new colours (crimson and white) of the College made their appearance on the River in the following term when the first Torpid was put on. The debut gave some promise but was not very successful as having to change a man in the middle of the races the boat lost the two places it had gained - and here one may remark that one is at loss to account for the want of success which has always attended our Torpids, only one of them ever having risen, while the Eight has gone steadily from 20th to Head of the River in 1881. In this last Eight there were first hands recruited from the Torpid.
The new Boat Club officially commenced in October 1875 with Captain A. F. Thornhill at its helm - and the college's colors (crimson and white) made their debut on the River during the subsequent term when the first crew was assembled. Although the initial event held promise, it ultimately fell short of expectations due to a mid-race crew substitution that resulted in the team losing the two places it had secured.