The Boat Race 1842
| 6th Boat Race | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | 11 June 1842 | ||
| Winner | Oxford | ||
| Margin of victory | 4 and 1/2 lengths | ||
| Winning time | 30 minutes 1 second | ||
| Overall record (Cambridge–Oxford) |
4–2 | ||
| Umpire | W. H. Harrison | ||
|
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The 6th Boat Race took place on the River Thames on 11 June 1842. The Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing race between crews from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. In a race substantially interrupted by river traffic, Oxford beat Cambridge by a distance of four-and-a-half lengths.
The Boat Race, first held in 1829, is a side-by-side rowing competition between the University of Oxford (sometimes referred to as the "Dark Blues") and the University of Cambridge (sometimes referred to as the "Light Blues"). Cambridge went into the race as reigning champions, having defeated Oxford by 22 lengths in the previous year's race. They led overall with four wins to Oxford's one.
Cambridge University Boat Club received the challenge to race from the Oxford University Boat Club secretary Fletcher Menzies in late-1841, in which it was proposed that a race between the universities should take place in late June or early July 1842. Cambridge rejected the suggestion, maintaining that an Easter race would be preferable. A challenge from their captain, John Ridley, was then sent to Leander Club, whose reply bemoaned the fact that they had insufficient numbers to provide an eight, suggesting a four instead. This counteroffer was also rejected and Cambridge offered to row "any eight-oared crew from any club or clubs whatsoever." After further, somewhat acrimonious discussion, it was agreed that Oxford would challenge Cambridge on 11 June 1842, with the caveat that the Light Blues would not row on the Thames before 8 June.
The race took place on a five-and-three-quarter-mile (9.2 km) stretch of the Thames between Westminster Bridge and Putney Bridge. The umpire for the race was W. H. Harrison, Commodore of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.
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