[8] Cambridge had few former Blues to call upon and despite measles striking at least one of the crew down, their rowing style was described by author and former Oxford rower George Drinkwater as "harmoniously together".

[10] Oxford's American stroke W. P. Mellen was the only non-British participant registered in the event, having been educated at the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts.

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

As both boats passed under Hammersmith Bridge, Cambridge had extended their lead and were clear of Oxford, despite rowing two strokes per minute slower.

[14] Even though the Dark Blues made a spurt, Cambridge pulled away and were three lengths ahead by Chiswick Steps.