The Boat Race. Everything you need to know

As quintessentially British as a cup of tea the annual Boat Race is back on Sunday April 2 2017. Oxford and Cambridge battle it out once again in an oar-some rowing race on the Thames. But if – like the majority of the 300,000 people expected to line both banks of the river – you’re really there for the all-day booze fest. Here’s our ultimate guide to the Boat Race 2017.

Time it right
Events on the riverbank kick off at 12pm at Bishop's Park, Fulham, and the Adnams Fan Park in Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith. At 2.45pm the traditional pre-race coin tosses begin, but it’s not until 4.35pm the starting gun marks the beginning of The Cancer Research UK Women's Boat Race. The Men’s Boat Race takes place an hour later at 5.35pm, and all the action will be televised from 4pm.

Free and easy
Given its redbrick university connections, you’d be forgiven for associating the Boat Race with more hoity-toity events in the sporting world. But unlike the polo and the horse races anyone can rock up for free along the four-and-a-quarter mile route from Putney to Mortlake free.

Team sport
Stoking a student rivalry that goes back centuries, the race is an annual contest between the rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities. The teams compete in eight-oared rowing boats, each steered by a cox who sits in the stern (that’s the back of the boat). The four crews are known as the Blue Boats after the award their universities give them for competing in the race.

A rip-rowing view
The towpath along Putney Embankment is a great viewing location because there’s a long, clear view of the race in both directions. For other rip-rowing views stake out a coveted spot at Hammersmith Bridge, Chiswick Pier and Dukes Meadow – where you’ll see the final stages of the race.