RegattaCentral

Stonewall Regatta

  • Hosted By: D.C. Strokes Rowing Club
  • 2016 Registered Regatta
Every summer, rowers and spectators from around the greater Washington DC area, nation, and globe gather in Washington DC for the Stonewall Regatta, hosted by the DC Strokes Rowing Club (DCSRC), the nation's first Gay & Lesbian rowing club.  Stonewall is the only regatta in North America hosted by a Gay & Lesbian rowing team. Stonewall Regatta began in 1994 during preparations for Gay Games IV in New York City. About a year before the games, DCSRC discovered there was no event for gay and lesbian rowers. DCSRC quickly organized a regatta at the Orchard Beach Race Course in Pelham Bay State Park, site of the1964 Olympic Rowing Trials. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village in 1969, considered the start of the gay civil rights movement, this premier gay and lesbian rowing event was named "Stonewall Regatta." The event was such a success that DCSRC decided to bring it home to Washington, DC, where it has since been held every June. 


Stonewall does not just highlight and promote rowing in the GLBTcommunity, however; the regatta also kicks off the circuit of adult sprint race competitions in the mid-Atlantic region and draws serious rowers of all stripes from throughout the area. The event promotes true sportsmanship in an open-hearted and inclusive environment created not only by the participants themselves, but also by the event sponsors and volunteers.  This year the Regatta expects to welcome well over 200 rowers (in the past rowers have come from the DC area as well as from Austin, Boston, Chicago, Columbus (OH), Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto, Canada, and Amsterdam, NE) and up to 150 spectators and volunteers.The tradition of Stonewall Regatta continues this year, and we're sure it will be better than ever!