The first race was held in 1829 and has been held annually except during the two World Wars. Members of both the teams are traditionally known as the Blues and each boat is called a Blue Boat. The color of Cambridge is light blue while Oxford is dark blue.
The course is 4 miles and 374 yards (6799 m) from Puney to Mortlake, passing Hammersmith and Barnes. The start and the finish are marked by the University Boat Race Stones on the South bank. The presidents of the two clubs toss a coin before the race for the right to choose which side of the river they will row on. Their decision is based on the weather conditions and how it can influence their team.
Charles Merivale, a student of St John’s College in Cambridge and his school friend Charles Wordsworth of Oxford started this race in 1829. The tradition continues with the loser challenging the winner to a rematch annually. The Boat Race is now a British National Institution and is televised live each year. The race which took place on March 30, 1895 was a subject of one of the world’s first motion pictures directed by Birt Acres.
The students of both the universities train their teams for six months before the event. The competitive spirit is such that even Olympic standard rowers participate in the competition. The current record time is held by Cambridge, whose team completed the course in 16 minutes and 19 seconds in 1998. It is estimated that this race has a global audience of 400 million in 180 countries.
The majority who come to London to witness the spectacular Boat Race stay at London serviced apartments. Most apartments provide luxury accommodation services and amenities where the residents can unwind in comfort. The Ascott London Mayfair is a favorite among many who look for luxurious comfort and convenience.