LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rowers ranging in age from 21 to 83 are gearing up to compete in this year's Masters National Championships, set to begin August 14, 2008 at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, Calif. Hosted by USRowing and the Long Beach Rowing Association, the four-day event will feature more than 1,200 masters competitors from 83 clubs.
This year, California crews look to have a strong presence at the regatta. San Diego Rowing Club leads the way with the most entries, totaling 89. Long Beach Rowing Association will race 88 crews, while Marin Rowing Association will race 87. Last year's championships were held on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Saugatuck Rowing Club dominated the regatta, winning 34 national titles on the way to claiming the men's and women's point trophies. The Westport, Conn.-based club also won the overall point trophy for the fourth consecutive year. Saugatuck posted 940.5 team points, ahead of second-place Community Rowing, Inc.'s 380.5.
Located near Alamitos Bay, Marine Stadium is home to the Long Beach Rowing Association and was the site of the 1932 Olympic Games. In recent years, Marine Stadium has hosted a variety of rowing events, including the annual Long Beach Invitational for junior crews and the USRowing Southwest Masters Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2008.
For complete schedule and race results, visit www.powerhousetiming.com.