See also Liz's Boat Race photo galleries.

The British obsession with the weather has been well exploited by the media covering the Oxford Cambridge boat race this week; and true to their predications, high tides combined with a strong southerly wind to make race conditions about as horrible as they get on the Tideway. As one local rower put it “you’d have to be f****** stupid to go out in that.”

With so much global press attention on the event, once the race-day machine is in full motion there’s just no get out clause, and the crews followed their schedule to plan, Oxford critically winning the all important toss and choosing the more sheltered Surrey station, a decision which may well have won them the race.

Although there was much talk of “sinking” conditions in advance, it was always unlikely that either crew would ship enough water to do more than swamp, as boats purchased in the UK in the last two years must be able to support the weight of the crew. However, going afloat the critical difference between Oxford and Cambridge was that the Oxford boat was fitted with the water pumps used by crews at the Athens Olympics, which meant they at least had a chance of getting rid of any water they took on. Cambridge chose not to fit them this year, a decision which may well have lost them the race.

In the end it was taking on water which Cambridge (a crew which the Oxford camp openly admits is the faster boat on calm water) blamed as being the reason for their defeat. Coach Duncan Holland claiming that they had finished the course with an extra 200lbs of water in the boat.

Whatever the reason for the result, Oxford should be applauded for their approach to the race. An excellent line and race tactics from their cox, Seb Pearce, allowed the Dark Blues to take the advantage and steal a lead on Cambridge, who had been leading at the milepost. Whilst the first half of the race looked fast and furious, after Hammersmith it just screamed “painful and slow” and both crews looked like they were rowing in treacle.

By Barnes Bridge, Oxford was far enough ahead to move into Cambridge’s better water for last section of the course and they crossed the line in 18:26 to win by an impressive 5 lengths.

Goldie (Cambridge) won the reserves race, using their extra weight and power to the best of their advantage.

Oxford win the 2006 varsity match series by 5 races to 2