May 1, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The varsity crews from the Navy women's and men's heavyweight rowing teams will travel to Seattle, Wash., to take part in the annual Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta, Saturday on Montlake Cut. The annual day of racing coincides with the Opening Day of Boating Season for the region and will be viewed by nearly 100,000 spectators.

The Navy women's team's entry will race at 2:15 p.m. (EDT) against Washington and Melbourne University (Australia), while the Navy men will compete at 2:25 p.m. (EDT) against Washington and Poland's National Team. Washington's women's boat placed 15th at the 2007 NCAA Championship, while the men's crew won varsity race at last year's Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship.

"We're excited to be taking part in such a wonderful event," said Navy women's head coach Mike Hughes. "It is a great opportunity for us to be able to race against a team the caliber of Washington. We will definitely be tested, but we are looking forward to it."

"Washington had a great crew last year and they have been the top-ranked boat each week this year," said Navy heavyweight head coach Rick Clothier, a 1966 graduate of Washington. "They will be a great challenge for us."

The remainder of the Navy heavyweight team will race against Columbia Sunday at Princeton, N.J., starting at 1 p.m.