The Boat Race 1864

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The Boat Race 1864

The 21st Boat Race took place on 14 March 1864 on the River Thames, pitting Oxford against Cambridge in a side‑by‑side fight over the Championship Course. Oxford won by nine lengths, in a time of 21 minutes 4 seconds, the fastest winning time since the race moved to the Championship Course in 1845. The start had been moved upstream to avoid river traffic, and the finish was adjusted to keep the traditional length. The Prince of Wales attended, and Joseph William Chitty was the umpire.

Background
The Boat Race is a yearly contest between Oxford (the Dark Blues) and Cambridge (the Light Blues) on the 4.2-mile Championship Course on the Thames. Oxford had won the previous year (1863) by ten lengths, and the overall record was tied at 10–10. To reduce interruptions from steamers, the start was relocated about 400 feet upstream of Putney Bridge, with the finish moved accordingly to maintain the race distance.

Crews
Cambridge’s crew were taller and heavier on average than Oxford’s. Cambridge rowers averaged around 11 stone 11.5 pounds (about 74.9 kg) per rower, about 4 pounds heavier than Oxford on average. Oxford included three rowers who had competed in 1863: William Awdry, F. H. Kelly, and W. B. R. Jacobson. Cambridge had John Hawkshaw (bow), Robert Kinglake, and Francis Archer (cox) who had previous race experience. Oxford used the same boat as the previous year, built by Salters, while Cambridge used a new boat built by Taylor of Newcastle. Oxford was coached by George Morrison.

Race
The weather was sunny with a gentle breeze. The start time was moved earlier so the Prince of Wales could attend another engagement. Oxford won the toss and started from the Middlesex side, with Cambridge on the Surrey side. Cambridge made the better start, but Oxford pulled level near Finch’s Field and soon pulled ahead. By Craven Cottage Oxford led by about a length, extending that lead to four or five lengths by Hammersmith Bridge. They were so far ahead by Barnes Bridge that the exact distance could not be counted. At the finish, Oxford were nine lengths ahead in 21 minutes 4 seconds, marking their fourth straight victory and the fastest winning time to date. Oxford had briefly paused, misreading the finish line, but quickly resumed and finished strong.

Officials
Umpire: Joseph William Chitty. Starter: Edward Searle.