Miami International Regatta Organizers today announced early commitments from several teams planning to attend as the race shapes up to be one of the fastest regattas in the Southeast Region this season.
Regatta Director Paul Mellinger commented "The faster high school teams look to be from outside Orlando this year, and although the dual and tri meets are gaining in popularity in Central Florida, there is still a place and a demand for the traditional style regatta and there is nothing more traditional than the Miami Regatta and fast teams. Whether you are racing in a masters or high school event, we are going to have some great races."
Those making early commitments include the Sarasota Crew, which is coming off a Gold Medal performance at the Head of the Indian Creek, and a fall stealth victory over Winter Park at the Hooch. Also, Local men's powerhouse Belen Jesuit will be strong in the men's eights after finishing a superb 2007 season with a silver medal in the men's V8 and a open water gold medal victory over Winter Park's National Champion men's Freshman 8 at the Florida State Championships.
Another strong team from the west coast of Florida making plans to attend is the Sarasota Scullers, who, in addition to their sculling prowess, have demonstrated speed in sweep events by capturing gold in both the Men and Women's Novice eights and the Women's Varsity Eight at the Head of the Indian Creek.
The only team heading north to the Miami Regatta will be Univesitraio de Regatas, a high school club program from Peru which look to be strong in the fours and quads.
Finally, rounding out the Masters field will be a very strong master team from Union Boat Club in Boston led by two time Olympic Silver Medalist Tom Bohrer.
Registration is still open until March 1st on Regatta Central for the Miami International Regatta.
For more information on the 35th Annual Miami International Regatta contact Regatta Director Paul Mellinger at paulm@headhunterinc.com