Heavyweights Win "The Duel" to Retain the George Cup
MAY 2, 2004
Following a strong effort Saturday against Yale in the Tony Johnson Cup, the heavyweights’ grueling schedule had them battling boathouse neighbor George Washington in the annual "Duel" Sunday morning on the Potomac. The Duel is a unique best-of-five 1000 meter format similar in concept to the America’s Cup sailboat racing system. The match-up was expected to be tight as George Washington had raced the Hoyas close in the petite final of the GW Invitational and had beaten the Hoyas in the fall at the Head of the Charles.
With a building headwind and chop, as well as tough conditions below Key Bridge as a result of the high river and strong current, the two varsity crews took to the water. In the first 1000 meter piece, the two crews were even off the start with GW going with 30 high strokes in contrast to Georgetown's 20. GW held with Georgetown. The Hoyas never made a move. In the last 200 meters, GW walked out to a less than one length lead to take the first piece.
In the next piece, Georgetown came back and rowed with considerably more control than in the first piece. Once again the two crews were even off the start but this time it was Georgetown who made the first move to pull out to a 1/2 to 3/4 length lead by the finish line.
Increasing wind and swirling water caused trouble lining up the two crews for the start of the third piece. With the momentum on their side from the prior piece, Georgetown came out of the start quickly and rowing well. The Hoyas jumped out to a solid 5-6 seat lead over the first 500 meters. The Colonials made a valiant effort in the last 500 to take back those seats. As the crews raced for the line, GW pulled almost even with the Hoyas. Georgetown was able to bear down and hold on to win by a margin that some on the shore claimed to be as close as one to two feet.
In the fourth piece, Georgetown once again was able to row controlled in what was becoming a difficult headwind and chop. The Hoyas pulled away from GW, crossing the line with open water between the two crews. The win marked the 5th consecutive victory for the varsity eight since the race went to the America's Cup format five years ago.
In Novice racing, the young Colonials bested the Georgetown Novices with
a tight race in the first piece and a larger margin of victory in the
second to sweep the best-of-three format. It was the third consecutive
win for GW in the novice event.
