The University of Washington will start its rowing season with the 125th annual Class Day Regatta on March 21, according to an announcement made on Mar. 16. The event will take place at Montlake Cut and is open for fans to attend in person or watch via live video streams on B1G+ for U.S. viewers and Overnght.com for international audiences.
The Class Day Regatta marks a longstanding tradition at the university, serving as the official beginning of the spring rowing season. The main races feature eight-oared crews from each class—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and possibly fifth-year students—competing over a standard 2,000-meter course ending at Montlake Cut.
Last year’s regatta saw the women’s fifth-year crew win their race for a second consecutive time, while the junior men’s crew took first place and will compete as seniors this year. Saturday’s schedule includes four races: women’s and men’s freshman/varsity challenge races followed by The Seattle Times Women’s Eight and the George M. Varnell Men’s Eight. Fans can also follow live results online at HereNow.com.
Class Day has deep roots at Washington, with men’s races dating back to 1901 and women’s events starting in 1907 before resuming in 1976 after a period of dormancy. The regatta weekend begins with the Varsity Boat Club Banquet on Friday night, where new members are inducted and team captains announced. Awards such as the Schaller Award for highest GPA and Pigott Award for Most Inspirational are presented during this banquet.
Additional activities include a Coaches’ Cruise viewing party aboard a tour boat hosted by head coaches Michael Callahan and Yasmin Farooq, an awards presentation ceremony at Conibear Shellhouse following the regatta, and a barbecue lunch open to all attendees.
The university said that streaming options have been provided so supporters unable to attend in person can still participate in this traditional event.
