The 2016 SIRA Championship Regatta is pictured in Oak Ridge on Sunday, April 17, 2016. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association, or SIRA, Regatta is in Oak Ridge this weekend. The regatta started Friday, April 14, and it will end Saturday, April 15.
It’s hosted by the Oak Ridge Rowing Association. It’s the 49th annual SIRA Regatta in Oak Ridge, a press release said.
“Few partnerships have stood the test of time like that of SIRA and Oak Ridge,” said the press release, which was from Explore Oak Ridge.
This year, the regatta will feature 59 teams from 12 states.
“This is the largest regatta in SIRA history for an Easter weekend,” said Sarah McAuliffe, Oak Ridge Rowing Association regatta director. “We are looking forward to a great weekend of rowing.”
The race distance is 2,000 meters, or about 1.25 miles. You can view the start line from Calhoun’s restaurant on Melton Lake Drive. Teams cross the finish line downstream at the UT-Battelle Rowing Tower. Coaches and spectators can now view races from start to finish with no obstructions because of the recent completion of the eighth lane, the press release said.
Racing in the SIRA Regatta started at noon on Friday, with time trials throughout the morning leading to afternoon semi-finals and some finals, the press release said.
Racing on Saturday starts at 8 a.m. and ends in the 3 p.m. hour with the men’s and women’s varsity “eight” (eight rowers plus a coxswain) races, the release said.
“It’s always exciting to watch the men’s and women’s eights battle it out in their respective races to take home the gold,” said Lisa Kendall, sales director for Explore Oak Ridge and ORRA board member. “All eyes will be on these two races.”
There is no admission fee to spectators. Vendors will be on site at Melton Lake Park offering everything from food and souvenirs to clothing and rowing specific items, the press release said. Parking will be limited to the Melton Lake Drive roadside.
The Oak Ridge Rowing Association said volunteers are always needed and appreciated. No experience is necessary. For more information about volunteering opportunities or for other questions, you can call McAuliffe at (508) 488-0868.
The press release said Explore Oak Ridge will be at the regatta supporting the event and providing visitors with information about Oak Ridge.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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