The first Oxford v Cambridge boat race took place in 1829 CE and it soon became an annual event for the students of these two universities. The idea for a rowing race between the two came from two friends - Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his Harrow school friend Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth) who was at Oxford. On 12 March 1829 CE Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and thus the tradition was born. Since then the loser of the previous year’s race has challenged the opposition to a re-match. At present the race is sponsored by X changing.
Would-be squad members must continue their studies while undergoing a gruelling training programme all year round. From 1978 to 1983 CE Oxford won every year with crews that included powerhouse Boris Rankov, a graduate student. this led to the introduction of the Rankov Rule whereby no rower may compete more than four times as an undergraduate and four times as a graduate.
Come each September every year a large group, as many as forty potential oarsmen and coxes, assemble each year at the two universities, hoping to prove their potential in winning a seat in the ‘Blue’ boat on Race Day. After a series of cuts the coaches race two crews from their squad over the Boat Race Course to test their mettle under competition conditions. The lineups for blue boats and reserve crews takes place in early Spring. The racecourse runs 4 miles and 374 yards (6.779 km) from Putney to Mortlake via Hammersmith and Barnes. In order to choose which side of the river the clubs’ presidents toss a coin. During the race the coxes compete for the fastest current which lies at the deepest part of the river. Often this leads to clashing of blades and warnings from the umpire. Along the course there are many vantage points to watch the race and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. Popular spots are Putney Bridge, Putney, Embankment and Bishops Park at the start and mid-course are Hammersmith and Barnes. At the finish are Chiswick Bridge and Dukes Meadows. At Bishops Park in Fulham and Furnival Gardens Hammersmith there are giant screens to watch the action before and after the boats have passed.
And if you’d like to enjoy a meal before or during the race be sure to make a reservation. The Michelin-starred River Cafe in Hammersmith serves robust Italian food in a remodelled warehouse.Thai Square Putney Bridge is another great vantage point built to resemble an ocean liner. And at The Depot Waterfront Brasserie in Barnes the tables are much in demand as the finish line is in sight. Also on offer is a special race day menu which does Cambridge Blue cheese and Coxes apples for dessert. Come early June it’s time to see England at its best at Henley Royal Regatta. The event takes place over five days (Wednesday to Sunday) and is head-to-head rowing competitions, with muscular young men vying for victory on the River Thames. The first regatta was held in 1839 CE and has been held every year since. Originally it was staged as a public attraction by the Mayor and townspeople of Henley with a fair and other amusements. But the emphasis soon changed so that rowing became its raison d’etre.
In 1851 CE HRH Prince Albert became the Regatta’s first royal Patron. And since then the Regatta has often been honoured by Royal visits. Indeed the reigning monarch has always consented to be Patron. The course runs 1 mile 550 yards (2,112 metres) and, as the Regatta was established long before rowing federations were instituted, it has its own rules and regulations. And unlike multi-lane international regattas, Henley still operates a knock-out draw with just two boats racing in each heat. This means that up to 90 races can take place one some days! The most prestigious race is the Grand Cup challenge for Men’s Eights. Other cups include The Prince of Wales, the Double Sculls, the Diamond Challenge and the Stewards Challenge.
Recent years have seen international entries from Croatia, the USA,China, France, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Slovenia and many more. Entries close sixteen days before the Regatta and most crews race only once a day. The qualifying race is in the form of a timed professional race along the regatta course, with the fastest crews going on to compete. The race begins downstream at Temple Island where the crews attach to two pontoons. The umpire calls the names of the two crews and starts them when they are straight and ready. Each crew is assigned to row on either the Buckinghamshire or Berkshire side of the river. Intermediate times are recorded at two markers, the Barrier and Fawley, and the commentator announces these in passing in a factual rather than emotional manner.
Naturally there is a strict dress code. Men wear striped blazers and a striped school or club tie, but a regular blazer or suit is acceptable too. Of you have good contacts you can arrange tickets for the desirable Stewards Enclosure or the prestigious Ramenham Club. Otherwise the racing can be viewed from the Berkshire towpath side of the river. And if time permits drop by the River and rowing Museum on Mill Lane. Along with the river, Henley and rowing themes there is a permanent Wind in the Willows exhibition brought to life by 3-D models.
And so to sailing. Cowes Week is the world’s longest running regatta. At the beginning of August anyone and everyone with a sailboat descends upon the small town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. It is no longer just the ‘enjoying classes’ as writer GM Trevelyan once dubbed High Society. The action takes place on The Solent, an area of water between England and the Isle of Wight, made tricky by the strong double tides. Cowes High Street reflects the gentrifies image with boatyards, chandlers and Bekens Yachting Gallery – a photo by Bekens on your yacht is as prestigious as a family portrait by Lord Snowdon.
In 1820 CE the Prince Regent’s patronage of the Yacht Club gave the port its cachet. The festival originates from the Prince’s interest which continued after he became George IV in 1820 CE. The Royal Yacht Squadron is now one of the world’s most exclusive yachting clubs. Only its 300 members and their guests are permitted in the hallowed precincts of the club house in the remains of Henry VIII’s castle while the club’s landing stage is sacrosanct. During the week the Solent is filled with all manner of boats, including many with colourful spinnakers. Over a thousand boats and almost 9,000 competitors participate in up to 40 races. And as well as the races there are several onshore events held and the town takes on a festival atmosphere. Marquees erected in the marinas serve food and drink and the crowds spill out onto the streets. Major trophies include the Queens Cup, Britannia Cup and the Skandia Young Skipper’s Trophy. The week’s sponsor is Aberdeen Asset Management.
For the summer 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Lee Valley White Water Centre near London will be the venue for slalom canoeing. And Eton’s Dorney Lake will be used for sprint rowing as well as flat-water canoeing. The eight-lane rowing course has a separate return lane. Built and owned by Eton College, the lake is set in a 400-acre park with a nature conservation area. And after the games Eton Dorney will continue as an international-class training and competition facility.

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