Masters at San Diego Crew Classic

We are very excited about the new masters events at the 50th San Diego Crew Classic Regatta. Bobbie Smith, the executive director of the San Diego Crew Classic, joins Marlene to talk more.

Timestamps

00:32 In today’s program we showcase the events at the San Diego Crew Classic, new events for masters. The 50th San Diego Crew Classic, is going to be held March 31-April 02, 2023. Entries are already open so there is a lot of interest in this years masters events.

01:05 Bobbie Smith gives us a complete run down on what’s happening with the regatta. including her rowing background and how she got involved with the Crew Classic Regatta.

03:37 The regatta is now three days, expanding to Friday racing, Friday is masters racing all day. Expanded events have been added. Sculling 4x for the first time.

Masters Events – new

04:15 Bobbie describes the new masters intermediate 8+ classification that the regatta has introduced.

To give masters new to rowing their own event.

Eligibility is you have to have started rowing in the last five years with no prior rowing experience and not have won a major competition. Discussion of the why.

07:10 Discussion: A stepping stone into a major regatta and a chance to win in the event to build confidence and welcome people. They have 5 years of eligibility.

10:03 There is also a new novice Mixed 8+ this year. 5 new masters events in total.

11:24 Description: We are a big boats race, except there is a 4+ for collegiate, so eights and quads over 2k.

Masters 2k training

Training for 2k for masters.

12:33 Marlene and Bobbie talk about the different approach for a 1k versus 2k.

The start, recovering from bad strokes, the 3rd 500m, how it fits into a winter training goal and leads into the on-water season. Train for Crash-B 2k then shift focus to SDCC.

15:52 Bobbie defines the club events versus the lettered events (A, B, etc) in the regatta. Any club event that has more than 12 entries a medal will be awarded to a winning crew where all members live within 50 miles of the actual club.

Discussion of the club culture; encouraging the club culture. What is the medal called? Do you have ideas? We’ll consult with Rebecca!

18:35 The intermediate club 8+ trophies will be the Faster Masters Intermediate Men’s and Women’s Club 8+

18:30 Diversity of masters rowing and culture, for masters in the Crew Classic there are now masters novice, masters sculling, masters intermediate club eights, and the age group categories up to “H” and “I” Once you get to F+ we will give a medal to every age group winner. Masters are racing into their 80s.