The Oxford - Cambridge Boat-Race

The annual contest between the, universities of Oxford and Cambridge is one of the greatest sporting events in the world. It is held on the River Thames at the end of March or in early April, the course being the 4¹/₄ mile stretch of river between Putney and Mortlake. The time of the race varies between about midday and three o'clock. The race was first rowed at Henley in 1829, but was transferred to the present course in 1845. By 1966 Cambridge had won 61 times, Oxford 50 times, with one dead heat in 1877. It is watched by crowds on the riverbank, in boats, and at home on television. In rough weather the water can become very choppy at certain points along the course. The Cambridge boat sank in 1859, both crews sank in 1912, and Oxford sank in 1925 and 1951. In 1948, Cambridge set up a new record for the course - 17 min. 50 sec.