Masters Athletes Deliver Thrilling Performances at RowFest National Championships

RowFest concluded this weekend with thrilling racing from our master athletes. With the final four days of RowFest being wholly focused on master’s racing and replacing the former Master’s National Championships, athletes were ready to go head to head over 1,000 meters to claim the title of national champion.

Thursday and Friday began with heats for a wide range of racing categories, and Friday concluded with tough competition as the first national champions were crowned. The first champion of the weekend was Daniel Sullivan and Andrew McLellan from West Side Rowing Club, who won the PR3 Inclusive Double Sculls by almost 20 seconds. Friday also featured a tight A Final in the Mixed Masters C Double Sculls, one of the races with the most entries this entire week. Potomac Boat Club’s Jason Hughes and Erica Steive-Caldwell finished in first, just three seconds over the second-place finishers. 

Saturday featured close racing, particularly in the Men’s Masters Open G Single Sculls, where Scott Pape from Riverfront Recapture won over Dan Van Dresser from Atlanta Rowing Club by only 0.05 seconds. There was even tighter racing in the Men’s Masters Open H Single Sculls as the top three boats all finished within a quarter second of each other, but Daniel Schley from New Haven Rowing Club came out on top. Finally, Saturday ended with the Men’s Masters J-K Single Sculls, where every person entered was over the age of 80. Daniel LeBlanc from Virginia Boat Club came out on top with a time of 4:59.62, almost eight seconds faster than the second-place finisher.

Finally, Sunday wrapped up all of the festivities with additional heats and finals. In the Women’s Masters Club G-K Coxed Four, North Suburban Crew finished first by 1.5 seconds to claim the title of national champions. Finally, the last National Champions of the entire week-long regatta were Charles Windeknecht and Laura Stirton Aust from PCRA/New York AC in the Mixed Masters Open F-G Lightweight Double Sculls, who, as a G classified boat, beat many of their F classified opponents.

Beyond the fierce competition, RowFest also served as a celebration of community and lifelong participation in the sport. One of the most inspiring moments came during the ceremony celebrating our octogenarians. These athletes embodied the enduring spirit of rowing, drawing cheers and admiration from the crowd. Their dedication, resilience, and passion reminded everyone that the sport truly is for life, and their presence added a special energy to the regatta’s final days. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s national champions and competitors for an inspiring week of racing. From thrilling photo finishes to powerful displays of experience and teamwork, the Masters community brought RowFest to an unforgettable close. A huge thank you to the athletes, volunteers, officials, and supporters who helped make the 2025 RowFest a resounding success.