64th International Regatta Brings Together Rowing Community

DULUTH, Minn. — The 64th Annual Duluth Rowing Regatta took place on Saturday. Close to 100 Duluth Rowing Club members were joined by crews from around Minnesota, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Regatta Chairman Eric Dott says much of the event’s success relies on outside factors.

“The weather will affect how far we are able to complete all of the races,” Dott said. “But the goal is to be wrapping up by 3:50 today. So we started at 8:00 and we will do I think it’s 38 or 39 races, if the weather allows us. The problem is typically in the summertime, the wind starts to pick up in the afternoon. So we just have to play that part by ear.”

According to Dott, around 170 rowers took part in the regatta. Participants came from all ages, background, and skill levels. New rower Steve Long says he was in a boat with two experienced rowers and another inexperienced one, all working together.

“The thrill and kind of the ‘aha!’ moment with rowing is when the boat is moving beautifully,” Long said. “And it’s set. And it feels right. That’s a good feeling.”

The Duluth Rowing Club took 2nd on Saturday, behind the visiting Minneapolis Club. But according to Dott, the regatta is about more than the results. The club’s mission is to introduce people to the sport of rowing and the regatta is just one way they’re doing that.