The top nine crews from across the country competed against each other for the first time.

On the show, different crews competed in dance challenges against each other every week.

Because of the small waterway only two crews could compete together.

Since 1921 the crews have competed for the King's Cup.

The reduction is perhaps the result of last year's rule changes for the open cup events, in which American crews have traditionally competed.

This year's contenders may be the strongest in Cup history, and their 16-man crews will compete under radical new rules.

But despite the death the rowing at Oxford went on as normal today., with crews competing in the traditional college races.

Three crews with six rowers, all from the United States, competed.

With good crews competing and racing with a following wind, conditions were ideal for course records.

Other crews, if they felt they were competitive, could also compete if there was room in the field.