What do you love most about eight racing?

Olivia Hay: “Eights are fast, and it takes a lot of skill and trust for eight rowers and a coxswain to unite and move as one—but when you get it right, it’s bloody magical. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Harry Fitzpatrick: “I love the camaraderie aspect of rowing eights. Making a fast eight is so much more than just having the best rowers in a boat. It is about working together as a crew and collaborating to bring out the best in each other. When you find that rhythm all together, a sense of magic is created in the boat, what George Pocock famously called "swing." Finding that as an eight is an unmatched feeling and it is what makes eight racing so special.”

Ella Cossill: “I love the amount of noise and hype that comes with eights racing. Everyone’s yelling and hyping up their teammates, you can hear what the other coxswains are calling and when they’re trying to make moves, and you’re going stroke for stroke in the fastest boat class. I really enjoy the energy that comes from having multiple eights across the field, and having 8 people in your own boat to race for and with.”

Zack Rumble: “The speed, the noise, it’s a steam train coming down the course and the race is over before you know it. There’s also something about it when you get eight guys moving as one, a feeling like no other.”

How are you feeling about the build-up to the regatta? 

Olivia Hay: “I’m feeling focused and ready. The lead-up to a big regatta like this is all about putting together what we have been working on for these past 8 months, and now it’s just about backing ourselves and executing when it counts.  I’m really stoked UW gets the opportunity to race a world-class crew like NZ, as it elevates us to bring our absolute best.” 

Harry Fitzpatrick: “I am feeling really excited. This will be my fourth Opening Day Windermere Cup and it is always one of the best weeks of the year. I am looking forward to cherishing every moment of it. I am also excited for all of the Kiwi's to be able to experience it too. It is truly a regatta like no other and I am grateful that the Kiwis are able to come over and experience it. I know both the Kiwi men and women will bring a great fight, and that kind of racing is the best preparation we can get heading into championship season.”

Ella Cossill: “I’m feeling really excited as we get our eight together and solidify how we want to row and race this lineup. It’s fun combining everyone’s experiences and creating a big boat in a short amount of time. We all know we don’t have months of preparation leading into Windermere so I love how attentive and keen everyone is to get it going. We’re excited to see how fast we can move this eight! I’m obviously extra psyched to head back to UW and see my old teammates and coaches in Seattle, and to get the opportunity to race at Windermere again after I’ve graduated from UW feels really special!”

Zack Rumble: “Feeling pretty excited, we’ve been putting in some good km’s and seeing some pretty promising speeds. It’s cool to have some of the u23’s stepping up into the boat with us too and keeping us honest. The boys are fizzed to get over there and lay down some watts.”