It took the most prestigious and competitive regatta in the world to take down last season's most successful Harvard crew.

The Harvard freshman heavy-weight crew, undefeated during the regular season, fell in the Temple Cup semifinal at the 150th Henley Royal Regatta in Henley-on-Thames, England on July 4.

The boat fell behind Imperial College of London and never recovered, losing by three-quarters of a length. Imperial College went on to lose to Cambridge University, which beat Princeton to reach the final.

Harvard's semifinal loss came after a successful run in the regatta, which was rowed in a dual-race tournament format.

As a seeded crew, the team started with a bye in the first round on June 30.

Harvard began competition with a two-length win over the University of Bristol in the second round.

The Crimson's next opponent came from the States. Against St. Joseph's on July 2, Harvard won by two-and-a-half lengths.

In the July 3 quarterfinal, Harvard beat Ivy rival Dartmouth by one-and-a-quarter boats.