The Boat Race 1846 The Boat Race 1846 The 8th Boat Race between crews from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the River Thames on 3 April 1846. Umpired by Charles Jasper Selwyn, Cambridge won in a time of 21 minutes 5 seconds, with a winning margin of three lengths. The race was held on the ebb tide, starting in Mortlake and ending in Putney. For the first time, outriggers were used by both crews. The Boat Race is a side-by-side rowing competition between the University of Oxford (sometimes referred to as the "Dark Blues") and the University
Wallace Ross he crossed the line a full minute ahead of Ross who did not row poorly but was simply beaten on the day. Hanlan had one more defence of his Title before losing it to Bill Beach in 1884. Beach had several defences as well before he accepted a challenge from Ross for the Title. Ross still believed he was good enough to be the World Champion. The race was run in September 1886 on the Thames on the famous Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake. The result was never in doubt with Beach crossing the line well in front. See