BOAT race crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities are preparing for an historic race across the Channel.

Six teams from Cambridge and Oxford and an additional team representing the event sponsor, Deloitte, will take part, and expect to row the 21 miles from Dover to Cap Gris Nez in five hours.

Their four-week window for the crossing starts on Monday, and they will be seeking ideal weather conditions.

All the crews have been involved in extensive training sessions, and they have already been to Dover to see for themselves the conditions that can await them in the Channel.

"This will be an event that takes all the excitement from the Boat Race, but with the added danger of rowing in coastal conditions," said Lennard Lee, Cambridge student and co-ordinator of the Cambridge Channel Challenge.

"Since its heyday in the 1960s, only 20 rowing attempts have been successfully made across the Channel, and this represents the first ever cross-Channel rowing race.

"However, without our event sponsor Deloitte, crew sponsor Focus DIY, and JL and Crew Room which provided our racing kit, this event would not have been possible, and we’re truly grateful for their involvement and the donations from the public for Cancer Research UK."

Mr Lee is no stranger to the Channel. Last year he swam from England to France in nine hours 45 minutes.

He added: "This will be a gruelling challenge, requiring not only perfect technique, strength and stamina, but a desire to break through the pain barrier.

"Crews will be crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and will have to negotiate both the treacherous waves and the comparatively Goliath cargo ships and cross-Channel ferries."