My dad was always a firm Oxford Fan … my dear mum always used to support Cambridge - the event was a great family time to share, cheer, commiserate but it was always a time when we were together and for some reason no other sporting event had quite the same effect. I’ve never stopped to analyse why this was. Dear Mum and Dad are no longer with us, but I just know they will be looking down on Saturday 24th March 2018 as this years boat race is due to start ... and the family will have so many fond memories of years gone by.
Will the water of the River Thames be calm or choppy? Will it be Oxford or Cambridge who takes the coveted 164th title? I hope the stretch of water between Putney and Mortlake will see a great race. The first race took place on 10th June 1829 in Henley on Thames, following a challenge between old school friends, since the second race in 1836 the contest has always taken place in London. So many followers do flock to the River Thames with their families to be part of the event and to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
As well as all eyes on the boats, I think some people may have eyes on the weather! Inclement weather has caused havoc at the Boat Race over the decades, with boats sinking in 1951, 1978 and 1981. Last year, the race threatened to be postponed when an un-exploded World War II bomb was discovered near the start-line. There are no such concerns for this Saturday's event despite the recent 'Beast from the East', with a high temperature of a mild 9°C, light winds and about a 10% chance of light rain.
The race is due to start at 5.31pm Saturday 24th March 2018, and I will edit the post later with the winners!
sorry Oxford it wasn't your turn this time ...
Post edit! A win for Cambridge, pictured here.
Post edit! A win for Cambridge, pictured here.
Enjoy your weekend
All the best Jan
I will catch it live at the pub today - I cheer for Oxford. It is going to be a very chilly race for both participants and supporters!
ReplyDeleteHello Jan, my daughter, grandson, son-in-law and myself usually have a small wager, just between ourselves. I remember one year there was someone swimming in the path of the boats!!
ReplyDeleteJune sounds much nicer for this event, no? But, well, I hope everybody has fun nonetheless! Family traditions should be kept :-)
ReplyDelete...even high schools here have crews.
ReplyDeleteWow!I await for the update,Jan ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed one!
this is nice and fun!
ReplyDeleteI grow in a site in the south where the boat race were a really thing like this!
Why is it often more interesting when something unusual happens? Hope it will be a close race. Will watch it later perhaps with a pint close by.
ReplyDeleteSam
Boating events are always exciting ~ lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
That's so much fun! We have dragon boats racing for fundraisers. I've been to those.
ReplyDeletethis sounds fun...the outcome is curious. it is not a popular sport in our area!!
ReplyDeleteUpper class sport I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI assume it's done by now!
ReplyDelete...it was a win for Cambridge.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments.
All the best Jan
So much excitement, so much work - for such a short event.
ReplyDeleteI like Oxford better, but I'll be diplomatic and say 'May the best team win!' Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWith my rowing prowess, I'd never be picked for a team! We'd end up going backwards...or sideways...or around in circles!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI just read Boys in the Boat. The 1936 Olympic Gold Winners in Rowing. WOW, it was amazing to learn about rowing, I do not know much about the sport. Fascinating to learn about training and the race.