Regatta marks 10th year of river racing

Featuring special appearances by the U.S. and Canadian national teams, the Stonehurst Capital Invitational Regatta will draw crew teams representing more than 30 universities in the Northeast, Midwest and parts of Canada to Rochester Sunday, October 11.

The competition, in its 10th year on the Genesee River in Genesee Valley Park, is considered one of the major fall rowing events, said Brian Wylie, regatta director and member of the Rochester Rowing Association. Last year's regatta drew more than 8,000 spectators.

The regatta has become a major community event with the excitement of river racing, food, entertainment and a chance to view the fall foliage. Entertainment and refreshments are coordinated by Beau Productions, organizers of such Rochester events as the Lilac Festival and manager of Frontier Field. Entertainment will kick off at noon with music provided by area bands and student groups. Additional entertainment includes face painters, jugglers and clowns.

The regatta is part of the city's River Romance Weekend. Racing begins at 9 a.m.; the best viewing area is in Genesee Valley Park, south of Elmwood Avenue. Parking is available in Park Lot.

The University is co-hosting the event with RIT and the Greater Metro Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Joining teams from the University and RIT are university crews that boast more than 100 years of rowing tradition. Among those scheduled to compete are Yale, Harvard, Brown, Wisconsin, and Dartmouth, as well as colleges and universities in Western New York.

New this year is an exhibition race by the U.S. National Team and Canadian National Team, whose members are among North America's best oarsmen. Spectators also will be able to watch an exhibition race by Pittsford Sutherland and Pittsford Mendon high school rowers.

For complete details, check out the Stonehurst Capital Invitational Regatta web site at www.rit.edu/Stonehurst.