The University Boat Race

The 154th Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities will take place this Saturday 29 March 2008, starting at 5.15pm. One of the sporting indicators that Spring has arrived, the Boat Race takes place over a 4.25 mile stretch of the River Thames from Putney to Mortlake.

Coxed crews of eight represent each university and the calibre of rower in each boat is usually world class. These are not 18 year old undergraduates but seasoned international oarsmen from around the world doing further study at Oxford or Cambridge, many of whom will have World Championship or even Olympic experience. Its two British universities but the crews will comprise Europeans, North Americans, Australians as well as the odd Brit.

The race depends not only on strength and power but also tactics and a bit of luck. That part of the Thames is tidal and not a straight stretch of river, instead there are three major bends to contend with. Winning the coin toss to decide what station or side of the river your boat will start from is always important as well as having a cox who can read his crew and the river and steer into the calmest water.

If the weather’s ok, The Boat Race usually draws tens of thousands of spectators to the banks of the river. There are actually two races to see with the universities B boats racing each other a little while before the main race. Big screens will be set up in Bishops Park, Fulham next to the start (Map) and Furnival Gardens, Hammersmith (Map) just past Hammersmith Bridge, so fans can keep track of the race.

Expect riverside pubs to be very busy and positions on bridges near the course to be taken early, many people also try and cycle along the banks to get a good view. If you want to take in one of Britain’s most famous annual sporting events for free, head along to southwest London next Saturday afternoon and follow the crowds. Below is a map of the course.