2009 Dad Vail Regatta

Emory Crew left campus before the end of finals to attend perhaps our most competitive race of the year, the 71st annual Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, PA. Our crews were excited for the trip, and to compete in the largest collegiate regatta in the United States.

Having set a goal at the beginning of the season to medal at the race, the Varsity Men’s squads were thrilled to find themselves seeded 1st and 2nd. After two days of competitive racing, the Men’s Varsity Heavyweight 4+’s final race came down to a photo finish, and after review it was decided they had placed third among the 54 crews entered. The Men’s Lightweight 4+ also had an exciting weekend, ultimately finishing fifth among 25.

The Women’s Varsity team raced a Women’s Varsity Heavyweight 4+. Having placed highly in their heat, the women were touched out in the semifinals, finishing in a close third.

The Women’s Novice team also raced a Heavyweight 4+ this weekend. Everyone was excited for the first trip to a large, tradition filled regatta, and despite not qualifying to continue after the heat, where they finished 22nd out of 52, the women were thrilled with their performance throughout this season.

The Novice Men sent a Heavyweight 8+ to the race, and are very happy with their performance from the weekend. Advancing to Semifinals, the crew came up with an ultimate 14th place finish among 30 competitors.

Everyone on the team is still basking in remembrance of an amazing weekend in the city of brotherly love, and looking forward to the final race of the season, the 2nd annual American College Rowing Association Championship Regatta, in Oak Ridge, TN on May 23-24. A season of amazing finishes has turned eyes across the nation onto Emory Crew, and everyone is proud to say they have helped make Emory Crew a truly national presence.