Boat Race 2023: A guide on where to watch it, when to see it on TV and all you need to know about the famous long-standing Cambridge versus Oxford rivalry
The time for talking is almost up. After months and months of hard toil and countless miles clocked up out on the water and the ergometer, Cambridge University Boat Club’s two crews will do battle with their Oxford counterparts for Gemini Boat Race glory on Sunday.
Cambridge’s men will be gunning for revenge after Oxford ended their three-race winning streak 12 months ago, while the women are seeking a sixth straight victory in the showpiece fixture.
It is also set to be a particularly emotional renewal following the sudden death of the Boat Race Company Ltd chairman Dr Tim Senior earlier this year.
Speaking at the crew announcements earlier this month, interim chair Siobhan Cassidy said: “Today 36 dedicated students representing nine nationalities, all of whom are brilliant athletes, are announced as the crews for the 2023 Gemini Boat Race.
“The crews are led by their four presidents, Tassilo, Sara, Ollie and Caoimhe and backed by four world class coaches, Sean, Rob, Paddy and Andy. We all have a part to play in The Boat Race but when the umpire yells ‘go’ on Sunday the 26th, it really is all over to the crews, so let me end by congratulating them in advance and may the crews have their best performance yet.”
Meanwhile, Stefanie Ramezan, head of chief sponsors Gemini UK, said: “To every rower in the room today, I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone in congratulating the crews on their outstanding efforts to date in reaching this point.
“As we celebrate their involvement in this years’ race, we’re also working to pave the way in engaging more young people into sport. We very much hope our continued funding and support in this partnership will continue to grow and highlight the inspiring work of the Boat Race Fund and partner organisations. In this way, we can continue to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people and their communities.”
When are the races?
- Sunday, March 26.
- The 77th Women’s Boat Race starts at 4pm.
- The 168th Men’s Boat Race begins at 5pm.
- The women’s reserve race is at 4.15pm, followed by the men’s reserves at 4.30pm
Where can I watch the race on TV?
- Coverage of the races is on BBC One on Sunday, starting at 3.30pm and going off air two hours later.
- Coverage will be presented by Clare Balding, who read English at Newnham College in Cambridge. Commentary will be provided by Andrew Cotter.
- It can also be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
- The two reserve races will not be part of the BBC coverage, but they can be streamed on The Boat Race’s official YouTube channel.
Can I watch the Boat Race in person?
- Putney Embankment is one of the most popular places for spectators to gather to see the action, it is where the crews boat and where the coin toss takes place.
- There are official Boat Race fan parks at Bishops Park, in Fulham, and another at Furnvial Gardens in Hammersmith.
- No alcohol is allowed to be taken into the fan parks.
- The race finishes just below the Chiswick Bridge, which will be open for spectators.
Head-to-head record
- Oxford cut their deficit in the men’s race to 85-81 in Cambridge’s favour with last year’s victory.
- Cambridge have a more comfortable 46-30 lead over Oxford in the women’s races.
Who will be in the boats?
Click here for profiles of the Cambridge women’s crew
Click here for profiles of the Cambridge men’s crew
The Oxford crews
Women: Bow: Laurel Kaye (Worcester College) 2. Claire Aitken (Oriel) 3. Sara Helin (St Peter’s College) 4. Ella Stalder (Exeter College) 5. Alison Carrington (Hertford) 6. Freya Willis (Magdalen) 7. Sarah Marshall (Jesus College) Stroke: Esther Austin (St Anne’s College) Cox: Tara Slade (St Peter’s).
Men: Bow: James Forward (Pembroke) 2. Alex Bebb (St Peter’s College) 3. Freddy Orpin (St Catherine’s) 4. Tom Sharrock (Magdalen) 5. James Doran (Oriel) 6. Jean-Philippe Dufour (Lincoln) 7. Tassilo von Mueller (Hertford) Stroke: Felix Drinkall (Wolfson College), Cox: Anna O’Hanlon (Somerville College).
What is the Championship Course?
- The stretch of water that the crews compete on is four miles and 374 yards from Putney to Mortlake.
- The Fulham and Chiswick north side of the course is known as the Middlesex Station and the Putney and Barnes south side of the course is known as the Surrey Station.
- The crew that wins the toss more often than not chooses the Surrey station which means they have the inside of the long bend round Hammersmith and Chiswick Reach.
Read more
The Cambridge Independent will have live coverage on the day and reaction online.
Then look out for our special coverage in the Cambridge Independent, out from Wednesday, March 29.
