Rowers to converge for Sarasota Invitational Regatta

With 692 entries this year, an annual rowing competition is set to sweep Sarasota, again.

The 5th Sarasota Invitational Regatta welcomes athletes nationwideto converge to compete this weekend, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 to Sunday, Feb. 23, at Nathan Benderson Park.

Organizers of the event anticipate more than 7,000 rowers and spectators to attend one of the largest regattas in the state of Florida. Participants from 52 clubs will battle on the 400-acre lake, for the chance Champion of the Lake trophy.

Local crews, Sarasota County Rowing Club Masters, Sarasota Scullers, Sarasota Crew, and Manatee Youth Rowing, will take part in the all-day festivities, and will compete in juniors, masters and adaptive races.

Award ceremonies begin at noon and 4 p.m. Saturday, and start at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free, but parking on the regatta island costs $5.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].