Welcome to The 2024 Gemini Boat Race

Welcome to The 2024 Gemini Boat Race and the 78th Women’s and 169th Men’s Boat Race, a day when London and the global Boat Race community decide which Blue they are.

For almost 200 years, the Boat Race has attracted thousands to the banks of the river Thames. It is watched by millions at home on BBC television and attracts a global audience.

The 2024 Gemini Boat Race is the ultimate in British tradition and heritage, with boats raced by student athletes. As they take to the stage, these young athletes have been given an extraordinary opportunity, but to get here they have had to make careful choices. They combine a rigorous full-time academic schedule with training and racing throughout the year. When the winners spray their Chapel Down sparkling wine at the end of their races, they will most definitely have earned the right to do so.

“Believe me this race has the power to get your heart racing almost as much as the hearts of the rowers on the water.”

For spectators there is just one question: ‘Which Blue are you?’ Whether you back the Light Blues of Cambridge or the Dark Blues of Oxford, and even if your family is divided between the two for an hour or so, it really is the best way to get into the spirit of the 2024 Gemini Boat Race.

Cambridge has had the upper hand in recent years, in both the men’s and women’s races, so Oxford will be keen to turn the tide. To get an insight into this year’s crews before they take to the water, don’t miss Turning the Tide, our behindthe-scenes mini-series showing on YouTube.

Rivalry is the fuel that powers the Boat Race, along with the muscle power of the rowers, of course. Whether you’re a seasoned rowing fan or completely new to the sport, the Boat Race has the power to get your heart racing.

The support of our Partners enables the delivery of one of the world’s most famous student sports events, which is free to attend for Londoners and visitors to London alike. The Boat Race is grateful to Principal Partner Gemini, founded by Oxford alumni Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, for their support over the last three years. I would also like to thank BBC Sport, T. Rowe Price, Hydrow, Graduate Hotels, Rival Kit, Chapel Down and our Charity Partner, British Heart Foundation.

Congratulations to Presidents Jenna Armstrong, Ella Stadler, Seb Benzecry and Louis Corrigan for preparing their squads, and to coaches Paddy Ryan, Allan French, Rob Baker and Sean Bowden.

When umpires Richard Phelps and Sir Matthew Pinsent yell Go! on Saturday March 30th, may the crews have their best performances yet.

Siobhan Cassidy

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