The Duluth Rowing Club hosts the 64th annual Duluth International Regatta

The Duluth Rowing Club hosted its 64th annual Duluth International Regatta along Minnesota Point. Approximately 170 rowers were registered for the event on Saturday, July 13. More than three-quarters of the rowers at the event were from the youth division.

Eric Dott, president of the Duluth Rowing Club, says they were lucky to have good weather for rowing.

“We are totally dependent on good weather. Good weather for rowers is when it’s calm and there’s not a lot of wind. Not too many waves, because the rowing boats are designed to do best in flat, calm water,” Dott said. “So when it’s good for sailing, it’s not so good for rowing. When it’s good for rowing, it’s not so great for sailors.”

Dott also says that the international regatta attracts teams and rowers from all over.

“We have teams here today from Canada, Thunder Bay, the Brainerd Lakes region and the Twin Cities region, as well as our club. There are about 100 rowers from our club participating today,” Dott said. “All of this only works if they work together. So the whole thing is from day one when a kid comes here, the first thing they learn is that they have to work together. They have to communicate, which is something unique for young people in many areas. It’s like a basketball team has to work together too.”

Brook Odland says this was her first year as captain and her third year as a rower with the Duluth Rowing Club.

“If you don’t work together, the boats can capsize and things can break. But you learn a lot about teamwork and I think you really learn to push yourself mentally,” Odland said. “There are a lot of things you have to keep track of mentally and physically as well.”

Odland also believes that people return to the Duluth International Regatta every year because of the camaraderie and love of rowing.

“It’s just a great way to be active, push yourself and grow. And the community is really great. I think it’s a skill that’s really fun to learn,” Odland said. “Whether you want to take it seriously in racing or just do it as a fun activity, it’s a really great way to get out and do something new.”

For more information about the Junior Duluth Rowing Club, click here. For more stories about the Duluth Rowing Club, click here.