The 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships will return to Sarasota, Florida, for the fifth consecutive year. This weekend will mark the 30th anniversary of the contest, and Nathan Benderson Park will host more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, and spectators. This year, the Women’s Youth Second Varsity Eight holds 28 entrants who will race for victory.
RowAmerica Rye ‘A’
As one of the top junior programs in the country, RowAmerica Rye has dominated the eights in both men’s and women’s events. The women’s second eight won Nationals in 2023. In 2024, they placed two boats in the top two positions in the same event. This season’s results show similar speed; Rye placed second at the inaugural King’s Crown Invitational Regatta in late April. In early May, Rye placed first and second at the New York State Championship. The program’s second eight has dominated races in the Northeast, so they will bring that confidence to Sarasota in search of a win.
Newport Aquatic Center ‘A’
Based in Newport Beach, California, Newport Aquatic Centre has proven to be a top West Coast program. In 2023, the Newport second eight placed second at Youth Nationals. In 2024, they placed third. This season, Newport’s second eight won Southwest Regionals by a staggering 13 seconds over Marin. Newport will be the top West Coast crew entering this event, and they will look to regain the podium this weekend.
Saugatuck Rowing Club ‘A’
Saugatuck Rowing Club has improved consistently over the past few years. The Saugatuck second eight placed fifth in 2023 and sixth in 2024. This season saw Saugatuck race sparingly, with multiple regattas cancelled due to unsafe conditions. In late March, the program flew over to Mission Bay, California, to race at the San Diego Crew Classic. The second eight placed second there, losing only to Newport by four seconds. At King’s Crown Invitational, Saugatuck beat Rye to take gold by just two seconds. While the program travelled to race at Northeast Regionals, unsafe conditions on the Merrimack River led to a cancellation of all racing. Saugatuck will come into Youth Nationals with solid preparation to chase a podium finish.
Greenwich Crew ‘A’
Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, Greenwich Crew is another prominent program in youth rowing. In 2023, the program’s second eight placed fifth in the B Final, ranking 13th overall. In 2024, Greenwich improved significantly to claim fourth. This past fall, the Greenwich second eight placed a respectable 17th at the Head of The Charles. The spring season saw them come third at the King’s Crown Invitational, signalling growth from the fall. Greenwich will look to continue their progress this weekend down at Nathan Benderson Park.
Predictions
The women from Newport Aquatic Centre have had an extremely strong year. I predict that Newport will win the second eights. Based on results at King’s Crown, Saugatuck will stage an upset and claim silver over RowAmerica Rye. Rye will take bronze, and I believe Greenwich will place fourth.
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