The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race (its history)
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race began in 1829, covering a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames, from Putney and Mortlake in London. Each boat has 8 rowers and a coxswain, who steers the boat and sets the race plan.
Over the years, there have been dead heats. In 1877, the only only dead heat occurred (there were rumours however that the judge had fallen asleep!) As of today, Cambridge leads the winnings for both the men’s and women’s races.
One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars! Other well-known people who have participated are TV presenter Dan Snow (for Oxford, now an ambassador for electoral reform).
And James Cracknell (for Cambridge). He suffered severe injuries in a cycling accident, but later recovered and age 46, became the oldest person to help win his team’s boat race in 2019.
How many times have boats sunk?
In 1912 (strangely the same year the Titanic also sank) , both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. In 1978, Cambridge’s boat sank and again in 1984 (after hitting a barge before the race had even started).
