Both Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs will be braving the elements of the Thames in mid-December to compete in the annual Trial Eights, one of the major rowing events of the season.

Each squad will form two Trial Eights to race over the traditional Championship course as part of the selection process for The Boat Race. These trials offer those sixteen oarsmen and two coxes the chance to experience the unique side-by-side nature of the Race, as the two Eights race the 4 1/4 miles from the University Stone that marks the starting point in Putney to the Finishing Post at Mortlake.

Coaches Sean Bowden (Oxford) and Duncan Holland (Cambridge) who will be choosing their crews in early December, will have the opportunity to witness their squads under the pressures of Race conditions: giving them further ideas as to who is coming on the best, who is most adept to handle the Tideway conditions and ultimately, who might win the coveted Blue Boat seats.

CUBC will be racing at 1.45pm on Tuesday 11 December 2007. OUBC will compete at 2pm on Wednesday 12 December 2007.