What it's like to do The Boat Race

The Boat Race is an annual competition between the top crews from Oxford and Cambridge. It was first contested in 1829.

The race runs through the middle of London (from Putney to Mortlake), which can take up to 20 minutes, or until one crew gives up.

The banks of the river are typically packed with around 200,000 spectators, and both the men’s and women’s races are also broadcast live on the BBC to around 15 million viewers.

Seb Benzecry was the Cambridge president this year (18:10) - if that wasn't clear.

I’ve also made videos on the season of training leading up to this. (the quality gets a bit better as it goes on, but its never great). Heres the full list:

And you should also watch the women’s race there, which was pretty incredible.

There is a jumble of media in here from Row360 and Nordin, so follow them on Instagram:

Chapter markers:
0:00 - 0:57 Intro
0:57 - 1:25 14 days to go
2:25 - 3:40 7 days to go
3:40 - 4:42 5 days to go
4:42 - 6:25 3 days to go
6:25 - 7:14 1 day to go
7:14 - 10:56 Race Day
10:56 - 17:42 The Race
17:42 - 19:28 Finish line
19:28 - 21:18 The afterparty
21:18 - 22:49 The following months
22:49 - 24:09 The next president

[movieeater]

Matt being JUST lucid enough to stop his watch is an all time athletics moment. What a legend!

[binchamers]

dude your storytelling. I literally nearly cried of relief when the you crossed the line

[willcousins]

One of the most underrated channels on youtube

[camyu]

As an American who literally knows nothing about rowing or University life in England, this whole series was so illuminating. I've watched it at least two times through. I also appreciate that it's self-produced, unlike the "Turning the Tide" documentary, because it shows a bit more of yall's personalities. Hoping for a 2025 recap!

[Rich_Mitch_Creative]

"and then, it feels like flying..." every rower ever (even if they haven't rowed for around ten years like me) get's that burning feeling in their eyes like you remember years worth of a sport you love, and probably miss. What a moment. This is one hell of a watch. Big thanks.

[TomLynch]

Sorry this video took a while

If you ever get an opportunity to trial for the Boat Race, you should 100% do it. It’s an experience of a lifetime

Also echoing Seb at 18:15, big thanks to the Oxford guys. The race is only fun because both crews are world-class, and Oxford are always mean competitors.

[miguelquintero]

Matt stopping the watch is priceless, that was everything! lmao!

[sorcus]

Tom Lynch you beautiful man, teasing us constantly with 5 minute videos only to release this absolute 24 minute beauty 🤩 it's been a pleasure following this from the first episode

[goose]

man what a great series, sad to see it come to an end but if I haven't rewatched it enough already looks like its time for another go around, great work

[flobee]

The pacing of this video is really...well...propelling. And the spoon mic is the best! Well done.

[chrisc]

The start at 5:03 is the best filmed start ive ever seen, it captures perfectly the tension of the countdown, the tendon creaking power of the first stroke and then so quickly getting up to speed. By the 5th stroke they are absolutely flying.

[michelangelo]

that Ed shoutout at 14:00 is absolute FIRE.

[GetRichNw]

One of the most underrated channels on youtube, you are the best youtuber ever. Great videos with great content editing and all. Thanks!

[Max_z]

A second season would be amazing. Such a great series.

[jamesbond]

Massive respect, man I love the series almost feels like one of those really good documentaries. It’s just that you bring it closer to us and as a fellow rower, I understand everything you say, even though you’re not fully describing but anyone that has experienced a rowing race nose and that’s just what I love about your videos and I hope to see you again on TV for the next boat race.

[thepalefox]

Such a great insider series! Thank you Tom and good luck in the future And great to see your dad there (20:05) as I had the pleasure to win Henley with him in '96 🏆💪💚

[Dungeonmaster]

Ngl, I got goosebumps watching the video. Tom, you're a wonderful author. Certainly one of the best rowing enthusiasts on the yt.

[lsabellaclarkson]

Your storytelling is insane, I was grinning as you passed the finish line!!

[oneworldfamily]

That was a fantastic video, Tom! Had me in tears. I'm from Cambridge (City of Cambridge was my club) and have done the HORR a fair few times and always loved to imagine I was in the Blue Boat. Thanks for the inspiration. It was a wonderful race, with a magnificently well-deserved win!

[mwaicrep]

You are such an inspiration to me! I'm currently an undergraduate engineering student, I just finished my first novice rowing season, and I'm hoping (and working) to one day make it to Cambridge and the Boat Race! Love the videos, keep up the good work!!