CUBC announces its 2024 Trial VIIIs crews

Inspiration behind the 2024 crew names:

Women & Lightweight Women: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. The stories of A.A. Milne are familiar to most, and many believe the characters epitomise various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and disordered eating. The women’s crews wish to raise awareness about these important issues. Sport and physical activity are two approaches to working through a variety of mental health conditions and Trial VIIIs is a perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of participating in sport at any level.

Men: The men’s Trial VIIIs crews are named Scylla and Charybdis after the two legendary sea monsters of ancient Greek mythology – the original Rock and a Hard Place. Residing on opposite sides of a narrow strait of water (much like the Tideway’s racing line…), six-headed man-eating serpent Scylla and the sea-swallowing whirlpool Charybdis competed to terrorise any vessel that dared to get close. Our crews will do the same on 13 April, but not before they finally settle the 3000 year old question – who is the more dangerous monster?

Lightweight Men: “Thunder” and “Lightning,” inspired by the Cars characters Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks, reflecting the rivalry between the crews. Just as Thunder and Lightning are interconnected in nature, the strength of their squad lies in balancing competition and teamwork.