 Coxed eight rowing had been popular at the University of Oxford for a number of years before a club was established at the University of Cambridge around 1827 . At a meeting of the Cambridge University Boat Club in February 1829 , it was decided to challenge Oxford " to row a match at or near London , each in an eight @-@ oared boat during the ensuing Easter vacation " . The race was deferred to the summer , as rowing did not start at Oxford until after Easter , and scheduled for 10 June 1829 for a prize of 500 guineas . During the pre @-@ race betting , Cambridge were the favourites to win the race . 
