The Brazilian Rowing Federation has made a nearly 7,000-mile trek to Seattle to compete against the UW crew this Saturday for the Windermere Cup.

Taking place on the Montlake Cut, the big races against the South American opponent will cap off an opening day that features 20 races from crews at all levels.

Brazilian team’s trip away from their country to compete is a landmark event in the nation’s history of the sport. The team’s head coach, Jose Oyarzabal, is ecstatic about being in one of the great rowing cities and doing something no crew from his country has ever done.

“For the Brazilian team, it is a new experience,” Oyarzabal said. “They don’t have the opportunity to row in eights in other areas. It’s the first time that the Brazilian eight is going to compete abroad — or at least outside South America. It will be a great experience.”

Fresh off of a victory over then-No. 1 California, the No. 2 UW men’s varsity eight is looking forward to a challenging race featuring Brazil and No. 16 Oregon State as well. UW men’s head coach Michael Callahan hopes to build off the momentum generated last week and continue improving.

“We’re still searching for more speed,” Callahan said. “It’s the time of year where we have to look for tenths of seconds along the course.”

The UW women’s varsity eight will be pitted against Brazil as well, and the University of Miami is making the trip across the country to also compete in the race. Women’s head coach and program director Bob Ernst is pleased with where the team is right now and what this race can help the Huskies accomplish.

“The bottom line is that the women’s crew here is re-emerging,” Ernst said. “Last year, we were in full scramble mode this time of year and ended up with some pretty good results at the end of the season.”

Opening day of the Windermere Cup will showcase a variety of other races, including a veterans’ race of men over the age of 70 and matches between some of the best high-school crews in the area.

The uncommon selection of races makes the Windermere Cup one of the most heavily anticipated and attended rowing events in the world.

“It has the championship feel because there are so many people watching,” Callahan said.

Reach reporter Scott Eisen at sports@dailyuw.com.