Naked students from King’s College London (KCL) caused serious disruption at the Anchor pub and along the Cam near Scudamore’s this past Sunday afternoon.

A group of approximately 30 rowers from the King’s College London Boat Club (KCLBC), all of whom were reportedly intoxicated, were visiting the city on a weekend-long mini-tour titled ‘The Spy Who Ginned Me’.

The climax of the tour featured an initiation during which the fresher rowers, of both sexes, were instructed to strip naked and swim in the River Cam in the early afternoon in front of onlookers, including families on punting trips.

Older club members on the trip then, according to the barman at the Mill Pub, ran off with their discarded clothes while the newest members were still in the river.

After their refreshing dip in the Cam, the swimmers decamped to the Anchor pub, some of them still naked. Staff there reported that a large group took over the entire establishment, leaving their large kit bags covering all the seating, allegedly making it impossible to take in customers for two hours.

According to one member of staff, the rowers became increasingly “rowdy” despite the manager’s best attempts to avoid conflict. Eventually, it was made clear to the group that they would “not be welcome again”, at which point they were invited to leave, and eventually vacated the premises.

The King’s College London Boat Club (which also incorporates members of Guys, King’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals) describes itself as “a friendly and dynamic club” formed in 1997. It is “one of the largest and most successful sports clubs at King’s and each year [invites] oarsmen and women of all abilities to join our traditions of success and socials.”

The Club’s annual Cambridge mini-tour is considered a highlight of the year, serving as “a chance for the squad to bond”, and includes first years, other members, and some alumni, known as the “Junipers”.

Freshers were instructed by the Club’s “Fresher Captains” to “bring a bottle of gin with you. this [sic] is the most important. Doesn’t matter which type but bare [sic] in mind you will probably be drinking it.”

The weekend was, according to the KCLBC’s message boards, a riotous success, with one of the touring party, posting as “Juniper Girl”, lauding the “great banter” on the part of the freshers, their willingness to participate and praising “A great weekend all round!”.

On Tuesday night, KCLBC Captain Tom Webb posted the following to KCLBC’s website: “Clearly, some of our number were spotted by the Spy Who Ginned Me.

“Although I was not in Cambridge on Sunday, I haven’t heard of any complaints during the tour, whether on the water or at the Anchor.

“I would hope that any misdemeanours be taken in good humour and that any transgressions of good grace be put in perspective.

“We hope to be back next year in finer fettle than ever. Needless to say, I apologise for any offence taken. None was intended.”