Mark Cooper who worked for Robert Balcomb (F&B Boats) in 1970's remembers tales told of these early boat races with Consuta.

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"I recall a story which Bob's wife, Marian, would often tell passengers about the Consuta, which she considered to be its 'claim to fame'...Whilst commentating live from Consuta during one of the Oxford v Cambridge boat races, John Snagge is reputed to have said:-

''I can't see who's in the lead at the moment, it's either Oxford or Cambridge

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Mark also recall the story of John Snagge being interviewed about commentating on the Oxford v Cambridge race, where he was asked how he could see which team was ahead in the final stages of the race. 

John replied that he could not always see with accuracy, but relied upon a gentleman at the finish line who hoisted light blue and dark blue pennants on lanyards from a mast to indicate the relative positions of the two crews.

Upon hearing this, the gentleman who hoisted the pennants apparently stated that he positioned the pennants according to John Snagge's commentary, which he was listening to on the radio!!