Hackett's Boat Race Quiz

1. When was the first Boat Race?

1829

1900

1950

1800

The first Boat Race took place in 1829. This event is a rowing race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, held annually on the River Thames in London, England. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious rowing competitions in the world.

Explanation

The first Boat Race took place in 1829. This event is a rowing race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, held annually on the River Thames in London, England. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious rowing competitions in the world.

2. Where was the first boat race held?

Henley

Oxford

Cardiff

Glasgow

The first boat race was held in Henley.

Explanation

The first boat race was held in Henley.

3. How tall was Josh West, the tallest ever oarsman to compete in the Boat Race?

6”9.5”

5"8

6"5.5"

5"5

Josh West, the tallest ever oarsman to compete in the Boat Race, was 6'9.5" tall.

Explanation

Josh West, the tallest ever oarsman to compete in the Boat Race, was 6'9.5" tall.

4. Why does the 1877 boat race stand out in history?

It’s the only race that has resulted in a dead height

It's the only race where three teams have competed as Bristol University joined in as well.

It's the only race to be called off due to a frozen river

It's the only race that the teams where allowed to use sails to assist their rowing

The 1877 boat race stands out in history because it is the only race that has resulted in a dead heat. This means that the race ended in a tie, with both teams crossing the finish line at the exact same time. This is a rare occurrence in any sport, and it adds to the uniqueness and significance of the 1877 boat race.

Explanation

The 1877 boat race stands out in history because it is the only race that has resulted in a dead heat. This means that the race ended in a tie, with both teams crossing the finish line at the exact same time. This is a rare occurrence in any sport, and it adds to the uniqueness and significance of the 1877 boat race.

5. Why was the Boat Race stopped just one minute after the start in 2001?

The race was stopped by umpire Rupert Obholzer following a clash of blades

The race was stopped due to bad weather

The race was stopped after protesters invaded the course.

The race was stopped after a Great Dane pulled its owner into the river

The correct answer is that the race was stopped by umpire Rupert Obholzer following a clash of blades. This means that there was a collision between the oars of two boats, which can be dangerous and potentially cause injury to the rowers. To ensure the safety of the participants, the umpire made the decision to stop the race and address the situation.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the race was stopped by umpire Rupert Obholzer following a clash of blades. This means that there was a collision between the oars of two boats, which can be dangerous and potentially cause injury to the rowers. To ensure the safety of the participants, the umpire made the decision to stop the race and address the situation.

6. For which University did Hugh Laurie row for in the Boat Race?

Oxford

Cambridge

Hugh Laurie rowed for Cambridge University in the Boat Race.

Explanation

Hugh Laurie rowed for Cambridge University in the Boat Race.

7. Cambridge cox, Andy Probert, became the oldest person to ever compete in the Boat Race in 1992, how old was he?

38

45

28

23

Andy Probert became the oldest person to ever compete in the Boat Race in 1992, indicating that he was at least older than any other competitor in the history of the race. The correct answer is 38, as it is the only age option provided that is older than the other options.

Explanation

Andy Probert became the oldest person to ever compete in the Boat Race in 1992, indicating that he was at least older than any other competitor in the history of the race. The correct answer is 38, as it is the only age option provided that is older than the other options.

8. When was the first female cox in the Boat Race?

1981

2010

1920

1995

In 1981, the first female cox participated in the Boat Race. This means that before 1981, there were only male coxes in the race. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in the sport, allowing women to take on leadership roles in rowing competitions.

Explanation

In 1981, the first female cox participated in the Boat Race. This means that before 1981, there were only male coxes in the race. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in the sport, allowing women to take on leadership roles in rowing competitions.

9. Boris Rankov has competed in more Boat Races than anyone else, how many races did he row in?

6

4

10

13

Boris Rankov has competed in more Boat Races than anyone else, indicating that he has participated in multiple races. The correct answer is 6, as it is the only option that suggests he has rowed in more than one race.

Explanation

Boris Rankov has competed in more Boat Races than anyone else, indicating that he has participated in multiple races. The correct answer is 6, as it is the only option that suggests he has rowed in more than one race.

10. Which year was the last sinking in the Boat Race?

1978

1992

2005

1970

The last sinking in the Boat Race occurred in 1978.

Explanation

The last sinking in the Boat Race occurred in 1978.

11. The fastest ever time to complete the boat race course is 16 minutes and 19 seconds - which team holds the record?

Oxford

Cambridge

Cambridge holds the record for the fastest ever time to complete the boat race course, with a time of 16 minutes and 19 seconds.

Explanation

Cambridge holds the record for the fastest ever time to complete the boat race course, with a time of 16 minutes and 19 seconds.

12. Which is longer the Boat Race course or the Grand National course?

The Boat Race

The Grand National

The Grand National course is longer than the Boat Race course.

Explanation

The Grand National course is longer than the Boat Race course.

13. Which of the two rowing clubs is the oldest?

Oxford

Cambridge

Cambridge is the oldest rowing club because it was founded in 1828, while Oxford was founded in 1839.

Explanation

Cambridge is the oldest rowing club because it was founded in 1828, while Oxford was founded in 1839.

14. How long are the international class eight boats that are used by both teams in the race?

19.9m

10m

38.4m

15.1m

The international class eight boats used by both teams in the race are 19.9m long.

Explanation

The international class eight boats used by both teams in the race are 19.9m long.