The DC Strokes Rowing Club has held a Masters sprint regatta for 30 years. In 2020 and 2021 we held virtual events, and have been working to rebuild the team and the Stonewall Regatta. In 2023 we were only able to host a small scrimmage, but we are so excited for returning to the full expression the Stonewall Regatta.
Join us June 2, 2024 for a great day of rowing!
Event Information
Registration
Registration will open in March 2024 and regular registration will close on 24 May 2024. Late registration will be accepted no later than 29 May 2024
Regatta Schedule (tentative)
6:00 - Team check in
6:30 - Coxswain and coaches meeting
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Race resumes
4:30 - Last race ends
6:00 - Post-Race Happy Hour (TBD)
Events
Events for 2024 are being redesigned to reflect DC Strokes Gender Inclusion Policy. More info coming soon!
USRowing Gender Policy
The USRowing Rules of Rowing has only two gender divisions. Their Gender Identity Policy states that any rower "... over the age of 18, who is not considered a youth or collegiate rower, shall be allowed to participate in a rowing activity in accordance with his or her expressed gender identity irrespective of the gender listed on the athlete’s birth certificate and regardless of whether the athlete has undergone any medical treatment."
Ensuring that our programs and regatta are welcoming to all individuals is a core value of our organization, and DC Strokes Rowing is proud to serve, encourage, and promote the accomplishments of all athletes! We welcome entries from athletes of all gender identities and gender expression.
https://usrowing.org/documents/2022/11/28/Gender_Identity_Policy_021323.pdf
Registration
Registration opens: March 2024
Standard Registration closes: 25 May 2024 (regular); 29 May 2024 (late)
Event Shirts
2024 Shirts Coming Soon!
Fitted Shirts
Non-fitted Shirts
Unisex
Rowsource also makes other rowing-themed shirts, totes, and magnets. Follow this link to see more.
Parking
Parking for rowers and spectators
Parking for rowers and spectators will be at Maritime Plaza Upper Parking Lot on M Street SE DC, which is approximately 0.5 mile from the boathouse and race course. Upon entering M Street, Regatta volunteers will help direct you to the appropriate location. A free shuttle will offer pick up and drop off service for rowers and spectators between the parking lot and the boathouse. Rowers and spectators may be dropped off closer to the boathouse at the designated drop off location. Boat trailers, car top scullers, race officials and handicapped parking is available at the ACBA Boathouse, 1900 M Street SE, Washington, DC.
REQUIRED: Parking pass must be displayed on all parked vehicles. (Check back for parking pass)
NOTE: Vehicles parking at non-designated area along northeast direction of M Street SE, DC will be towed or ticketed by the DC Metropolitan Police.
Directions
Enter “38.8782,-76.9796” as your destination.
To the Anacostia Community Boathouse
From I-295 SOUTH: Take the exit (on right) toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Turn right onto O Street SE/Water St SE (first right after the bridge). Turn right onto M Street SE. Continue to the boathouse
From I-295 NORTH: Take the exit (on right) toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn right onto O Street SE/Water St SE (first right after the bridge). Turn right onto M Street SE. Continue to the boathouse.
From I-395: Take the 11th St SE exit. Turn right on 11th St SE. Turn left onto M Street SE. Continue to the boathouse.
To the Parking Lot at Maritime Plaza
From 295 SOUTH: Take the exit (on right) toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Turn right onto M Street SE. At the circle, turn right into the parking lot. Continue to the end of the parking lot, then turn left into the upper lot.
From 295 NORTH: Take the exit (on right) toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Turn right onto M Street SE. At the circle, turn right into the parking lot. Continue to the end of the parking lot, then turn left into the upper lot.
From I-395: Take the 11th St SE exit. Turn right on 11th St SE. Turn left onto M Street SE. Keep going toward the traffic circle after 11th Street. At the circle, turn right into the parking lot. Continue to the end of the parking lot, then turn left into the upper lot.
Additional
Questions
Can I borrow a boat for myself or my team?
Our club has a limited number of boats but we will work with you and other clubs and vendors to ensure that you and your team will be able to participate.
What time could I start bringing boats and equipment to the site?
The boathouse will be opened for trailers starting after 1 PM on Saturday, 4 June 2022. Please contact the regatta director for an arrival time. Trailers for large boats must be at the site no later than 6 AM on regatta day. Car tops for singles will be accommodated all day on a first come first, serve basis. All boats and trailers must vacate the site no later than 6 PM on regatta day. Please contact the regatta directors if you plan on arriving outside of these times or plan to leave trailer or boats overnight before or after the regatta.
Could we practice on the race course?
The course will be available for practice TBD on Saturday, the day before the regatta. All boats must follow established river traffic pattern.
Can I give you money to sponsor this event?
Yes! Contact Peter Heisler at development@dcstrokes.org
I have a question that isn't answered here, can I contact the Regatta Director?
Yes! Email the director, Christina Dragon, at stonewall@dcstrokes.org (please note our new email!)
Event
Sponsors
Interested in becoming a Stonewall Sponsor? Contact Peter Heisler at development@dcstrokes.org
All affiliated sponsors agree to abide by the DC Strokes Sponsorship Code of Conduct and treat all with respect and dignity.
History
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). Stonewall is the only regatta in North America hosted by a Gay & Lesbian rowing team.
The first Stonewall Regatta was held in 1994 during Gay Games IV in New York City. About a year before the Games, DC Strokes Rowing Club (DCSRC) learned that the host committee for the NYC Games was dropping rowing from the sports line-up, and subsequently decided to organize an independent regatta to run concurrently with the Games.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village in 1969, considered the start of the gay civil rights movement, this regatta was named "Stonewall Regatta."
The original regatta occurred at the Orchard beach Race Course in Pelham Bay State Park, site of the 1964 Olympic Rowing Trials. The event was such a success that DCSRC decided to bring it home to Washington, D.C., where it has since been held every June, typically coinciding with DC Pride festivities.
Stonewall Regatta follows the commitment of DCSRC to bridge gaps between communities by building an inclusive environment and educating the public not only about rowing, but also contributions by the LGBTQI+ community and DCSRC. The event promotes true sportsmanship in an open and inclusive environment, created not only by the participants themselves, but also by the event sponsors and volunteers.
Stonewall does not just highlight and promote rowing in the LGBTQI+ community. 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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the regatta pivoted to virtual events but we are excited to again host all rowers and spectators to the ACBA boathouse in what we hope will be a return to the before times!
Contact Us
CHRISTINA DRAGON, REGATTA DIRECTOR
PETER HEISLER, SPONSORSHIPS