The race was conducted 15th and 16th May on the Upper Yarra course.
Wesley were again absent due to injury to their three man.
Geelong Grammar was supreme by 1 1/2 lengths over Melbourne Grammar. They led by far more earlier in the race but the Melbourne crew fought back very well. This was to be the first of six straight wins for Geelong Grammar.
A view of the City of Melbourne at that time looking north with the old Prince's Bridge and boat shed in the middle.
Officials
Starter: Mr G G Henderson
Umpire: Mr A Nicholls
Judge: Mr J Irvine
Time: NTT
Margin: 1 1/2 lengths
1st Geelong Grammar - Bow: A J Bailey, 2: J E Robertson, 3: J Rutherford, Str: S F Mann, Cox: F N Clarke, Cch: James L Cuthbertson
2nd Melbourne Grammar - Bow: H S H Baird, 2: J R Mouritz, 3: W C MacKnight, Str: E Champion, Cox: E G H Graham, Cch: W M Burn
Other crew competing:
Scotch College - Bow: William L Aitken, 2: Ewen Macpherson, 3: Arthur M Begg, Str: Andrew R Robertson, Cox: Henry N Young, Cch: Alfred W Pace
Wesley College did not compete this year.
Heat result:
1st MGS, 2nd SC, Margin: 3 lengths. Geelong Grammar secured a bye.
1885 Geelong Grammar Rudder
Time: NTT
1st Melbourne Grammar School