2023 Bethany Medical North Carolina Rowing Championships Set for April 15
Over 650 rowers are scheduled to race in 345 boats at the Bethany Medical North Carolina Rowing Championships in High Point on Saturday. This marks the annual regatta as the biggest rowing event to take place in North Carolina. Hosted by Triad United Rowing Association, the regatta is now in its 7th year.
“We have a big increase in the number of rowers coming in from Tennessee and Virginia this year," said race director Gene Kininmonth. "We have rowers from Florida and Washington DC. They come with their families and stay overnight. This will give a nice boost to the local economy. Our goal is to make this the city of High Point's biggest annual outdoor sporting event.”
Rowers will race in youth, collegiate and Masters categories.
James Madison University, NC State, UNC Wilmington, and the University of South Carolina will headline the college boat races.
Participation numbers in rowing continue to climb in North Carolina and High Point is at the epicenter of this remarkable growth. Festival Park has proved itself as an optimal venue for watersports with its high banks for spectator viewing and ample parking for boats.
With the state championships near capacity due to limited dock space in 2019, Visit High Point granted lake officials $98,000 to install a floating dock and race course at Festival Park. While the race course has yet to be installed, the floating dock was put in place in 2020, allowing the rowing event to double in size.
In 2022 the regatta received another cash infusion from the Lenny Peters Foundation and Bethany Medical. The latest sponsorship supported improved infrastructure and bringing international teams to High Point.
In addition to scenic views of the rowing on Oak Hollow Lake, thousands of spectators at Festival Park will enjoy listening to Carolina Beach Blast music and feast from a number of food trucks serving coffee, slushies, burgers and tacos.
WANT TO GO? Races begin at 9am and conclude at 4pm. The regatta is open to the general public and admission is free. Parking is $10.
WHERE? 1841 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27265
The Regatta Lounge: Looking for a more comfortable way to spend your day at the lake? Join us in the Regatta Lounge for lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Enjoy a glass of champagne or a signature Regatta cocktail while watching the races and making new rowing friends. (Must be 21 to enter). Opens at 8am for coffee and pastries. Advance bookings are required. All inclusive for $75 (early bird rate).
COMPETITORS & COACHES: Visit REGATTA CENTRAL to see rules and eligibility requirements and to place your race entry. There is no limit to the number of races a rower participates in.
