On the US circuit, the upcoming San Diego Crew Classic is an early-season staple for West Coast crews. For many, Crew Classic will be the first formal sprint racing of the season: eight lanes, multi-day racing progressions, and, importantly, trophies. The women’s youth quad event will feature 15 crews competing for the Concept2 Trophy.
Los Gatos Rowing Club
Los Gatos placed second in this event the previous year. A strong end to the season saw them win silver in the quad at the USRowing Youth National Championships in 2024. This past fall, Los Gatos returned in sharp form, winning the Head of The Charles. Coming into this weekend, Los Gatos looks to be one of the more in-form teams.
Rowing Club of the Woodlands
Based near Houston, Texas, Rowing Club of the Woodlands is another strong performer returning to Mission Bay. The program placed fourth at Crew Classic the previous year with a sizable 18 seconds to first place Redwood Scullers. June saw Woodlands again place fourth at Youth Nationals, however they closed the gap to Scullers down to six seconds. Woodlands will look to assert themselves as a podium crew this spring season. With the top women’s sculling programs coming from the West Coast, it is clear the program is sizing up some early competition for Nationals by flying out to San Diego.
Redwood Scullers
Redwood Scullers have a long history of dominance among American sculling programs. Their women’s quad placed second in 2023, won in 2024, and is looking for another medal at Youth Nationals this year. San Diego has been a regular stomping ground for the scullers as they won both the U17 and Youth quads in 2024. However, some doubts have been raised as they trailed by 14 seconds to Los Gatos at Head of The Charles this past fall. A winding course on the Charles is quite different from a 2000 meter straight on Mission Bay, so Redwood will hope to regain their annual dominance in San Diego.
Long Beach Junior Crew
LBJC placed third at Crew Classic in 2024. At Southwest Regionals, a qualifying regatta for USRowing Youth Nationals, the same crew placed fifth, one place off of qualifying for Nationals. This year’s Crew Classic lineup returns no rowers from that lineup, and it is uncertain whether Long Beach can follow up on last year’s performance. A younger Long Beach lineup placed a respectable 31st at Head of The Charles in 2024, and they will look to follow in the footsteps of those before them.
Predictions
I believe this is Los Gatos’ year. Their Head of The Charles victory is evidence of a strong early spring performance. Following Los Gatos will be Scullers, a perennially strong program. Next, I predict Woodlands to claim third, improving a place from last year’s result. Despite a few difficulties through the summer and fall of last year, I believe Long Beach can beat the other eleven entrants to claim fourth position.
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