The tenth annual Cambridge Cardboard Boat Race attracted spectators to the River Cam on Sunday (June 16) as teams tried – and failed – to stay afloat.

Cambridge University students traditionally participate in the colourful event as part of their end-of-exam celebrations.

Twenty teams raced from Jesus Green to Magdalene Bridge, watched by around 2,000 people.

Some students were fuelled by Dutch courage – provided by wine, beer and shots – before the race and struggled to stay on board their flimsy rafts, with many capsizing before the finishing line.

Others jumped into the water for fun.

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Cambridge University students taking part in the cardboard boat race on the River Cam in Cambridge. Picture: Geoff Robinson Photography

Morgan Barnden, commodore of Granta Rats, the Cambridge University Punting Society, which facilitates the race and makes sure there is no lasting environmental damage to the river, said: “We care about the water and the riverways, and are passionate about maintaining their general wellbeing – and obviously we’re also very interested in boating and fun activities on the river.”

Morgan added: “The event went pretty spectacularly, I think. About 70 people signed up to enter and there were some really fun and quite amusing boats.”