The Boat Race 1881

In a race umpired by Robert Lewis-Lloyd, Oxford won by a margin of three lengths in a time of 21 minutes 51 seconds taking the overall record to 20–17 in their favour.

"[12] Oxford won the toss and elected to start from the Middlesex station, handing the Surrey side of the river to Cambridge.

[10] In a cold north-easterly wind, the race commenced at 8.24 a.m. with the Dark Blues outrating Cambridge and taking an early lead.

[12] Cambridge began to reduce the deficit as Oxford decreased their stroke rate, and by Harrods Furniture Depository the crews were nearly level.

Although the bend of the river now was in favour of Cambridge, Oxford increased their rating once again and by Hammersmith Bridge held a three-quarter-length lead.