Boat Race 2025 season kicks off for Cambridge University Boat Club and Oxford University Boat Club with annual Presidents’ Challenge at Somerset House in London
The 2025 Boat Race season officially got underway yesterday with the Presidents’ Challenge.
As is tradition, the event – hosted at Somerset House in London – saw the presidents of the previous year’s defeated crews throw down the gauntlet to their counterparts.
On this occasion it was the responsibility of Oxford University Boat Club presidents Tom Mackintosh and Annie Anezakis to challenge Cambridge University Boat Club’s Luca Ferraro and Lucy Havard after last year’s double victory.
The pairs faced off before shaking hands on stage in front of the coveted men’s and women’s trophies.
Former Cambridge rower Siobhan Cassidy, who is chair of The Boat Race Company, said: “The 2025 CHANEL J12 Boat Race marks a year of significant milestones.
“From welcoming CHANEL as our new title sponsor to introducing new competitors from all over the world, including current Olympic champions, the mass appeal for one of Britain’s most historic sporting events is more widespread than ever.
“I’m excited for another fiercely contested ‘Battle of the Blues’ and for the rowers’ competitive spirit to reach new people and places.”
The umpires were confirmed as Sarah Winckless MBE and Sir Matthew Pinsent, for the men's and women's races respectively. In doing so, Winckless will become the first woman to umpire the men’s race on The Championship Course.
The Boat Race will take place on 13 April 2025.
