Because the English Eight had had no practice on the Seine.
Because the Londoners had had a fearful passage crossing the Channel.
Because they smashed their boat, and had to have it repaired.
Because the English steering might have been better.
Because the weather was intolerable, and chiefly affected the Englishmen.
Because the Londoners had no chance of pulling together.
Because the French knew the course better than the English.
Because the race should have been rowed weeks before.
Because the race should not have been rowed for months.
Because the British naturally liked to see the foreigners win.