Oxford and Cambridge will be taking a back seat as the greatest race on the Thames arrives in the form of 250 model lifeboats in support of the RNLI.
Just hours before the Blues battle it out for the 160th time in front of the crowds lining the banks of the Thames, the miniature boats will race along the tideway just up river of the official Boat Race finish line in the RNLI's Alternative Boat Race.
Rowing clubs can take part by sponsoring their own lifeboat, decked out in their own club colours for the half hour race.
Sponsors and their friends can watch the start from the river bank at Brentford Marina, join the finish line party at the London Apprentice pub or track the race's progress online.
There is no entry fee but the RNLI is asking clubs to fundraise a minimum of £1,000 which will be split 50:50 between the charity and the club in the hope it will give members some motivation to get involved.
The club which raises the most money will win a masterclass with 2013 World Rowing Championship bronze medallist Adam Freeman-Pask.
Chiswick RNLI has suggested the mini boat race could be a warm up to a Boat Race party with a competitive element, but in the end, whether your entry ends up being a trophy-winner or brings up the rear, all teams will keep their model Severn class lifeboat after the event.
RNLI lifeboats will, as usual, be on hand during the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities to keep everybody safe.
The charity's busiest lifeboat stations are on the Thames in London, with volunteer crews relying on the public's support to make over 700 launches possible.
The Alternative Boat Race will happen on April from 4pm until 4:30pm from Brentford Marina and ending at the London Apprentice pub in Isleworth.
Register for the Alternative Boat Race and receive an event pack filled with fundraising ideas and inspiration.
The deadline for registration is March 28.
The Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race begins at 6pm on April 6, starting in Putney and ending in Mortlake.
