Chris Nilsson, Chief Coach of the winning Cambridge boat in this year's Xchanging Boat Race, is returning home to New Zealand for 'lifestyle reasons' and will not be coaching the Light Blues for the 157th Race next March.
In a statement issued today by Cambridge University Boat Club, Chris, who was appointed by the Club two years ago, said: "I hope the last two seasons will act as a springboard for future success for the Light Blues.I was very pleased with how the Blue Boat achieved the victory this year and seeing the quality of the bladework was particularly satisfying. I wish the Club every success and will follow their future campaigns with interest."
His arrival at CUBC in 2008 was delayed until mid-December due to Visa entry problems and he saw both the Blue Boat and Goldie lose to Oxford and Isis in 2009, with the Dark Blues extending the number of wins to four in the last five Races. After a full year of coaching during the 2009/2010 campaign, he then witnessed both the Blue Boat and Goldie come from behind to achieve victory over Oxford in two of the most exciting races of recent times.
CUBC Honorary Treasurer, Robin Waterer, commented: "We are very grateful for Chris's contribution to the Club during these last two seasons and were delighted with this year's successes. We wish him and his family well."
A former Olympic medallist who has been coaching international teams for the past 15 years, Chris also worked as assistant coach at Oxford between 1997-1999 with Sean Bowden, Chief Coach of the Dark Blues.
Edouard Blanc, the assistant coach from Switzerland, will coach the CUBC crews at the Henley Royal Regatta later this month.
The 2011 Xchanging Boat Race will take place at 17:00 on Saturday 26 March.