Canal 54, Fellsmere Fl – The Gainesville Area Rowing varsity squads had a strong showing at the 3rd annual Opening Day Regatta on Saturday February 20, their first race of the spring season.  Conditions were ideal for the Henley style head-to-head racing, which pits 2 crews against each other over a 1,500 meter course with the winner advancing to race again in semi finals and ultimately a grand final to determine the winner of each event.

On the men’s side the Varsity 8 claimed silver in the grand final, coming in 2nd  against Belen Jesuit of Miami in a hard-fought race.  After losing a tough race in the opening round, the men’s 2nd Varsity 8 reversed their fortunes by winning their consolation race against Boone High School of Orlando.  In the 3rd Varsity 8 GAR advanced to the semi final before being out-stroked down the course by Lake Brantley Rowing Association of Orlando.

Women’s racing saw the Varsity 8 reclaim the Women’s V8 Opening Day Trophy for the 2nd year in a row in a close race against Lake Brantley that came down to the last 100 meters.  The women’s 2nd Varsity 8 also made it to the finals which saw GAR in another showdown with Lake Brantley.  In a back and forth dogfight down the course that saw both crews fighting for the lead, GAR came up  short, taking a silver medal with 2nd place overall.

Both men’s Head Coach Michael Moseley and women’s Head Coach Justin Burgess saw the racing as a good starting point for each squad to build on and develop from through the rest of the spring season.  Varsity rowers are back in action on Saturday, March 13 at the OARS Regatta on Turkey Lake in Orlando.