The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

The Problem

The annual boat race along the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities is an event that we have supplied for a number of years.

We were requested to provide a platform for TV commentary, positioned on the bank of the river.  The platform was also being used as an interview area with celebrity pundits and crew members before and after the race.

The brief required a covered stage position in line with the finish of the event alongside where the crews disembark. The site is a sloping concrete surface at the water’s edge so a special solution was required.

The Solution

Over the years, Alistage gained experience in building stage systems on uneven terrain. Maintaining the equipment in position on the sloping ground required the use of both kentledge and stabilisers and the step access required the use of a landing platform to allow the steps to face uphill.

The Result

We fitted our Alidome with a clear PVC roof and rear wall cover, the system provided weather protection and made use of the natural daylight. Therefore, from the cameras perspective it looks like the interviews are being conducted outside.

That year, the race took longer than expected due to delays and prolonged interviews that extended well beyond the original plans. However, we managed to de-rig the entire structure and bring our equipment to safety before the tide came in, saving us the need to embark on a rather wet rescue expedition to retrieve a submerged stage system from the river Thames. Yet again, another unusual job well done, and as we always say – it is never boring at Alistage!