The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

This fine British institution, which dates back to 1829, had something of a Moss Wood connection this year. In the number two seat for Cambridge, in the famous Blue Boat, was a student from St. Edmund’s college, Henry Pelly. Henry is the son of Clare’s cousin Diana and her husband George and he’s quite an oarsman – this was his second Boat Race and he was also this year’s President.

It is the tradition that the President’s parents host the “Eve of Boat Race Dinner” for the family and friends of the Cambridge University Boat Club and this year, we are proud to say, Diana and George Pelly chose to serve Moss Wood wine. Spare a thought for the poor competitiors because it’s a tough life if you’re a rower. The commitment to winning means they don’t attend this function and even though they had their own dinner earlier in the week, where Moss Wood was also offered, they had to abstain from drinking wine, or any other alcohol for that matter.

Unfortunately, Henry was in the losing boat for the second year in a row. For those curious to know the margin, the Dark Blues crossed the line in exactly 17 minutes, three and a half boat lengths, or 12 seconds in front of Cambridge. However, we know at least one person who isn’t disappointed. Our original English importer, Peter Diplock, is an Oxford man who revelled in the victory. Apart from a win in an Ashes series, there is only one thing that makes him more proud – victory in the annual rugby match at “Twickers”.