Cross-town Rivals Set to duel on November 20.


Ballona Creek & Marina del Rey - Shell Games course.

On Saturday morning the Trojan Navy will race bow to bow against the UCLA Bruins in a series of boat races from Ballona Creek to Marina del Rey.

The Trojans won the Varsity and Freshmen events in 2002. UCLA forfeited the races in 2003.

RACE TIMES:
Varsity Eight: 8:00am
JV Eight: 8:15am
Freshman Eight: 8:30am

The 3 1/4 mile race is one of college rowing’s most unique in the United States. The crews will align themselves at the east end of Ballona Creek and race west toward the ocean. The racecourse is dead straight for the first 2,800 meters until the crews must navigate a 180-degree turn around the breakwater from the creek into the Marina. The course is then straight for another 1700 meters until an almost 90 degree left turn sends the crews into the final straight to the finish line buoy at Jane Bove Boathouse, home of the USC Men’s Fleet.

“This is a race to be won or lost by the coxswains,” said Trojan freshman coxswain Kelly Jane Gallentine. “Racing around the horn is the most difficult part of the race and the outcome of the race could be determined just by a crew’s ability to navigate the sharp turn.”

Alumni, parents and friends of the Trojan Navy are invited down to watch the races. Parking is available in Fisherman’s Village and spectators are recommended to walk to UCLA boathouse at the end of Fiji Way where they can watch the racing action in both the creek and the Marina.

Directions: 405 Fwy North or South to 90 Fwy, the Marina del Rey Fwy. Take 90 WEST to Mindinao. Left onto Mindinao to Admiralty. Left to Fiji. Right on Fiji. Fiji runs into the marina, bends along Fisherman’s Village, then circles back onto itself.

As Fiji just begins to bend left, look for the first driveway/entrance to Fisherman’s Village. Turn right into this entrance. After going through the parking gate, turn to the right and look for parking. Jane Bove Boathouse is just down off the promenade walkway towards your right. UCLA Boathouse is at the end of Fiji Way to the left.