Four crews competed in this event held on 13th and 14th May.
Geelong Grammar won the event for the first time with a crew containing the great Steve Fairbairn, who was to go onto being one of the world's most influential rowing coaches. The Fairbairn Cup is named in honour of Stephen's bother Charles, the first Captain of Boats of Geelong Grammar.
Geelong Grammar, through it's coach J L Cuthbertson, started to lobby for eight oared races and continued until the Headmasters agreed in 1901.
Controversy over the use of sliding seats commences with fixed seats used until 1897.
Second crew races commenced this year with Geelong Grammar School winning the inaugural race.
Officials:
Starter: Mr J Colles
Umpire: Prof Martin Howy irving
Judge: No known
Time: NTT
Margin:
6 lengths
1st Geelong Grammar - Bow: W T Manifold, 2: F L Armytage, 3: Stephen Fairbairn, Str: G M Smith, Cox: R A D Hood, Cchs: James L Cuthbertson & H B McCormick
2nd Melbourne Grammar - Bow: H A Grey-Smith, 2: Guy P Grey-Smith, 3: G R M Graham, Str: S J H Stephen, Cox: Arthur Edwards, Cch: P de J Grut
Other crews included:
Scotch College - Bow: Henry G Montgomery, 2: William J Bayles, 3: Henry C Elliot, Str: James G Robertson, Cox: Frederick J Edwards, Cch: John Wallace
Wesley College - Bow: J Johnson, 2: G H Tatchell, 3: H Turnbull, Str: A Robb, Cox: Jerome, Cch: Prof H M Andrew
E1: 1st GGS, 2nd WC, Margin: easily.
E2: 1st MGS, 2nd SC, Margin: 2 lengths
Time: NTT
1st Geelong Grammar