Find the best seats in the (boat) house

At 4.30pm, the 18 crew members will set off from Putney Pier to row the magic distance of four miles and 374 yards up river to Mortlake.

It will take them about 17 minutes and 600 strokes to row past the three big river bends to reach the finish line just before Chiswick Bridge. For each stroke, each member trained about two hours.

Oxford, who won four of the last five encounters, will try to reduce Cambridge's overall lead of 78-73 in the series.

Since the start of the race in 1829, there has been only one dead heat - in 1877. But it was a rather close call in 2003 when Oxford won by a single foot.

The contest was born 153 years ago from a challenege set by Cambridge student Charles Merivale to his Harrow schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth), who was at Oxford.

Last year 7.2 million viewers watched on television as Oxford won by five lenghts in choppy waters. Their time was more than two minutes slower than the course record of 16 mins 19 secs, set by Cambridge in 1998.

The race is usually held one hour before high water at Putney, meaning that crews race against the stream but with the flow of the tide.

Double Olympic Gold medallist and Chiswick resident, James Cracknell OBE said: "It's physically very tough, but in a race like this you have to make sure that you pace yourself better than the other team and get it right on the day. If you get to the finish line and still have an ounce of energy left, then you haven't paced yourself well.

"The tide of the Thames and the wind does make it trickier than the still waters at the Olympics - but the bigger difference is the bends in the river. The crews are constantly fighting against each other to get the best line and often clash oars along the course."

There have been six sinkings over the years with Oxford and Cambridge both suffering the embarrassment three times each, and in 1912, both boats sank and the race was held again.

James continued: "Sinking is always a possibility on the Thames and you don't want to see that, well maybe some of the spectators do, and it makes good pictures for the you guys in the press, but after months of training they'll be doing their best to make sure they finish.

"It's a great day out and I'll definitely be down there."

With the weather forecast to be warm and sunny, around 175,000 people are expected to flock to Putney to watch the action on the river.

We asked three seasoned boat race-goers for their opinion on the best spots.

Diana Pilkington

For maximum excitement, the best vantage point for the boat race is north of the river between Hammersmith and Barnes bridges.

If you can elbow your way to the bar, the Old Ship on the Upper Mall is a legendary place to watch, pint in hand.

The vast crowds and huge cheers make for a thrilling atmosphere, regardless of how much blue jersey you manage to glimpse.

I last chose this viewpoint two years ago, and was lucky enough to be positioned near an enormous screen. Once I'd seen the rowers fly past in the flesh, I turned to watch Cambridge stroke their way to victory.

As this spot is roughly in the middle of the course, there is still everything to play for at this stage, but chances are there will be a clear lead.

So if a strapping rowing fanatic blocks your view the first time, you may catch sight of the valiant underdogs.

Andrew Westbrook

Sun Inn - For a slightly different Boat Race experience and an escape from the main crowds then head to the Sun Inn in Barnes.

Although not on the river itself, instead situated across from the picturesque Barnes pond, this pub is far enough from the action to make a table possible to find while still bustling with people.

Those scared of missing out on the race need fear not, as when the time comes a murmur spreads across the bar, within seconds of which everyone will be pacing the 100 metres to get a good vantage point.

The real advantage of this pub comes after those fleeting moments of excitement when both boats go speeding passed.

While most are still queuing at bars dotted along the river, the more quick-footed can have a cold pint, burger from the sumptuous Boat Race barbecue, and table before the crowds arrive - ensuring a wonderfully hazy afternoon.

Saxon East

Putney Bridge - Everyone's favourite spot. Plonk yourself on the bridge's pedestrian walk and get a bird's eye view of the oarsmen as they prepare for the race.

The M Bar - you'll have to get in early doors as the pub fills up, but with a pint in one hand and an excellent view this is the ideal spot in poor weather.

Putney Embankment - Get right to the water's edge and watch all the action of the race.

Fulham side embankment - Usually there are less people on this side, but it provides a great spot next to the water's edge.

The Slipway - Near to Thames Rowing Club along the embankment, the slipway allows spectators to get as close to the water as possible, so their voices can be heard as they cheer on their favourite team.

GETTING THERE

To see the start of the race, you will need to get to the River Thames at Putney, which is off Lower Richmond Road.

There are several routes to Putney from further afield:

The 93 bus runs from Putney Bridge tube station, over the bridge itself, past Lower Richmond Road and along Putney High Street.

It runs out of Putney along Wimbledon Parkside, into Wimbledon village, Wimbledon town centre and on to South Wimbledon.

The route, which is the same coming back, also takes in Morden and North Cheam.

Putney Bridge and East Putney tube stations are on the District line, although Putney Bridge is closer.

Putney overground train station is less than 10 minutes from the starting line.

It is on Putney High Street. Come out, turn right and walk to the bridge - just follow the crowds.

Road closures

A TfL spokesman said roads between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge might be affected and both bridges may be closed for a short duration to traffic depending on the number of spectators.

Lower Richmond Road may also be subject to traffic restrictions, as will the roads adjacent to the Thames from which the race can be viewed.

A Richmond upon Thames council spokesman confirmed the police would close roads if needed due to the number of people on the streets. He said possible closures would be Thames Bank, Ship Lane and Williams Lane, Avondale Road exit onto Mortlake High Street, Lonsdale Road at its junction with Barnes High Street and Hammersmith Bridge, when the boats pass underneath.

The spokesman added Barnes Bridge will be closed to pedestrians between 3pm and 6.30pm.

DOS AND DON'TS

Look behind the boats: The boats which follow the race send out a severe wash which comes along well after the racing boats have passed - in many places it breaches the embankments - so stay alert. Look back down the course after the racing crews and followers have passed.

Stay still while the boats pass: If viewing from a bridge, don't cross the road to see the other side - the traffic is not stopped.

Get above the river: Try to find an elevated vantage point well back from the edge.

Wrap up warm: And take a hot drink in a vacuum flask.

Get there in good time: And ensure you cheer for the correct shade of Blue!

Don't get too close: The tidal stream is at its strongest during the race - stay well back from the edges.

Don't stand where the tide comes in: The race takes place when the tide is rising - by the time the race starts all of the foreshore will be covered. Don't take up viewing positions on the foreshore - they will become dangerous before the race passes.

Don't climb down: Steps cut into the embankment and the sloping stone revetments are slippery and dangerous - they also get overwhelmed by the wash of the followers.

Don't chase the boats: The race moves too fast to follow it - don't try to chase on foot or bicycle.

Keep off: Don't stand on the small private pontoons along the course - they are unstable.

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