The Christ Church Regatta is a boat race held annually at the University of Oxford. Novice crews of eight rowers represent each college. The race takes place during the seventh week of Michaelmas term, in late November, on the Isis, the stretch of the River Thames running through Oxford.
The regatta is organized by Christ Church Boat Club, and there are separate men’s and women’s races, with many colleges entering more than one crew. Because this is a novice race, it’s not rare to see rounds stopping after starting because the crews get stranded within the racing lanes.
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How Does the Christ Church Regatta Work?
The competition is run over about four consecutive days. Races are head-on-head, and the two teams are chosen at random. The winner of each race progresses to the next round.
The loser of a race may be knocked out so that they no longer race, but there is also a round of repechage for the first round race. The rest of the teams proceed until two teams are left to race against each other in the Final.
Who can Visit the Christ Regatta?
Anyone can visit the Christ Church Regatta in November and advanced tickets are not required.
