Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

This past Saturday was the 156th year of the Oxford & Cambridge (often referred to as Oxbridge) boat race. This race dates back to 1829 when two former Harrow school chums, Charles Merivale of Cambridge and Charles Wordsworth of Oxford, came up with the idea. On 12 March of that year, Cambridge challenged Oxford to the race and the tradition has continued into present day.

One would think that the race takes place in either Oxford or Cambridge.  But it actually takes place in London on the Thames.  (For what reason, I'm still not sure.)  It starts in Putney and ends at Chiswick.  You can get a map of the race route here.

Now this a big thing.  The race is broadcast worldwide on ESPN. But alas it's not just about the race.  Its about the rivalry between the two schools.  Oxford won last year and have been bragging about it ever since.  I'm glad to report that Cambridge took the title this year (Go Cambridge!) and let the gloating begin.




As I live in Fulham, which is moments from the Thames,  I decided to go down and check it out.  After all it is a time honored British tradition. While making my way to the Thames, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the river weren't chock full of posh and pretentious Oxbridge alums.  There actually was a good mix of locals, tourists and alumni.  The Thames was chock full on its northern banks (that's where the pubs are) and people were in good spirits as the weather held up.

There were helicopters flying overhead.  A crowd assembled on Hammersmith Bridge and there were several cameramen and journos setting up post inside the pubs that had great riverside views.

Everyone waited with bated breath until the races official start time of 4:30.  True to form, the race started precisely on time.  The crowd started to crane their necks eastward to glimpse a view of the boats.  Binoculars came out and cameras were held in anticipation of catching the right shot.

After a few moments, you could hear a dull roar coming from the east of the river.  The helicopters in the sky began to move and if you squinted really hard you could faintly make out a boat.

As the race progressed toward Hammersmith bridge, the dull roar in the east gathered steam and made it way to the bridge.  The helicopters descended on the crowd while hundreds of flashes went off.  The boys in blue (Oxford) were ahead but Cambridge were right behind them.  As the boats passed by, they were followed by an entourage of other referees, journalists and the coast guard.
 

It lasted approximated two minutes.  If you blinked or fumbled with your camera, you missed it.  In those short few minutes, they had rounded the bend and continued their way to Chiswick.  As the boats started to disappear, the crowd dispersed.  A few ran to follow the boats to their final destination. Some ordered more drinks at the pub while others went home.

While Cambridge has bragging rights for the rest of the year, Oxford will lick their wounds, shake their fists to the sky and declare "Just wait until next year! Just you wait..."  It was a fine race indeed.

Links:
Official Website