Crews from the University of Cambridge finished 2nd, 8th and 42nd out of the 319 crews competing at the National Women’s Eights Head in London this weekend. The CUWBC Blue Boat was the fastest University crew for the 4th consecutive year whilst the reserve crew, “Blondie” was the highest placed 2nd Crew from any Club.
CUWBC also fielded a 3rd VIII which was made up of the openweight spares and also student-rowers who are part of the CUWBC Development Squad. Sarah Carlotti who originally learned to row with Churchill College Boat Club and came through the CUWBC Development Squad said after the race:
“We hit a great rhythm off the start, and a series of well-placed overtakes after Hammersmith Bridge allowed us to really push on and build into the finish. The positive energy in the boat made it a really fun race to be part of and we can be proud of a top 50 finish!”
Meanwhile, Blondie finished 8th overall, the highest placed 2nd crew from any Club. Pippa Dakin started rowing at Newnham College Boat Club in October 2016 and was part of our Development Squad last summer:
“We produced a great performance coming 8th overall and 1st second VIII, giving us confidence that we are racing well for two weeks’ time.”
Thea Zabell learned to row with Downing College Boat Club and the CUWBC Development Squad. She won the Boat Race with Blondie last year and then represented Great Britain at the World Rowing U23 Championships. Reflecting on the performance of the Blue Boat on Saturday, Thea said:
“Our performance was a good reflection of our strengths and also gives us an idea of what focuses we should take into the last couple of weeks in the lead up to the Boat Race.”
The CUWBC Lightweight Eight who will race against Oxford at the Henley Boat Races this Sunday will be announced tomorrow (Tuesday 13 March) at midday.