The Gemini Boat Race 2023 - Women

[@Despeville]

Cambridge had a more consistent rhythm and technique. You can see it with less splash and more synchronicity of movement.

[@SkullPts]

When Cambridge had to move to avoid being bumped @ Hammersmith - the whole crew backed Caoimhe as she put the push in , and in the end it was decisive

[@bobparsons77]

Thought the Oxford crew did pretty well. Thought their stroke did a marvellous job. Lots of experience.

[@RoyBeade]

Cambridge 5 seat with very interesting technique, very backended

[@adrianwright8685]

As the coxes have their backs to the umpire what use are his hand signals? Does someone in the crew have to relay the message? Or maybe he is in wireless contact with the coxes?

[@adrianwright8685]

6:07 as with men's race, one boat gets a full length ahead and they win. Has there ever been an exception to this rule?

[@adamcook2910]

2003

[@adrianwright8685]

@@adamcook2910 I just watched: Oxford did win from being 1/2 boat length behind. But I did specify a complete boat length - once that happens and the lead can move in front it seems to me a lost cause.

[@matthewhackett1710]

usually true, but to get ahead, when crews are evenly matched, the lead crew may be carrying much more lactate, leading to individual and crew collapse. It has happened several times in the last 20 years. Sometimes crews get away with it, and sometimes the crew ahead early does not survive., That is what makes rowing in particular so tough. It is like a game of chess, to make early sacrifices, or set up a defensive base. You will note that the initial leading crew (first two minutes) often do not win.

[@adrianwright8685]

@@matthewhackett1710 I don't think it has happened - give a specific year. Once a boat is a full length ahead they seem to move in front of the other which makes it near imposssible.

[@matthewhackett1710]

@@adrianwright8685 that is quite a task.... Most years where a length ahead by Hammersmith happens, the crew is clearly superior, so that is game over. That much is true. Give me a while, and I will see. There was a year when an Oxford guy (Rob Francis?) passed out at Barnes Bridge, and another more recent when a German international rower nearly passed out at Hammersmith.

[@user-il1qg5mj8p]

Fighting Everyone❤

[@clearday1971]

Oxford looked more disciplined hands down. One wonders why they were in a shell that appeared to be too light for their crew (they were lower in the water, more displacement and drag). Based on technique, they should have won. Good on Cambridge in the end, but my word at the body slinging and rush in some seats. Great fun to watch, and well done to both crews.

[@user-xw6ml8pb2n]

Don't think it's just the boat, Oxford paused at the catch for far too long, killed all run.

[@adrianwright8685]

So they don't have to be in exactly the same boats?

[@clearday1971]

@@user-xw6ml8pb2n that "tag" move going for the DQ may have cost them in the end, as well. Strategy gamble.

[@clearday1971]

@@adrianwright8685 I'd think as long as the boat adheres to governing body standards, they can run what they like, but I've only ever seen Filippi and Empacher in these races and Olympic events.

[@woodlandboy999]

@@user-xw6ml8pb2n are you sure...?

[@jasonchambers4495]

Does anyone know where I can see Blondie and Goldie races?