The Boat Race 1886

Umpired by Robert Lewis-Lloyd, Cambridge won the race by two-thirds of a length in a time of 22 minutes 30 seconds, becoming the first crew to come from behind at Barnes Bridge to win.

Oxford saw six rowers return to the crew, including the boat club president Douglas McLean who was making his fourth appearance in the event, and rowing with his brother Hector for the second consecutive year.

[9] Commencing at 1.38 p.m.,[14] the Light Blues made the better start and by the time the crews passed Craven Cottage, they held just less than a half-length lead.

[9] Rowing into rough water, Oxford started to pull away and between Chiswick and Barnes Bridge, the lead increased to more than two lengths.

[15] According to author and former Oxford rower George Drinkwater, "never in the whole history of the Boatrace (sic) has there been a contest more thrilling to watch or more sensational in its result.

The Championship Course , along which the race is conducted
A caricature published in Vanity Fair of Stanley Muttlebury , who rowed for Cambridge in the number six seat.
Cambridge became the first crew to come from behind at Barnes Bridge to win the Boat Race.