For the first time in the history of the event, Boat Race organizers will install buoys along the notoriously winding four-mile course ahead of the racing this weekend.
The change comes out of a study of GPS positioning of crews during the past few races, as well as data from movement sensors attached to the tillers of the shells during racing.
"Although it might appear that the race is often decided by clashes, a fast start and a washdown, and other elements having not much to do with actual boat speed, the data has shown otherwise," Boat Race Chair Tom Junior said. "The crews are actually going quite straight and very much staying in their own lanes, so in accordance with a data-driven Boat Race, it is time to install buoys over the course."
The Henley Royal Regatta is also said to be considering installing a buoy line down the middle of the race, with some objections coming from the umpiring crews, whom would have to surrender provenance over the center of the course to mute, inanimate, impartial objects.