Ellington

Although they’re separated by a continent, an ocean and 4,700 miles, Washington and Oxford are very similar in the world of collegiate rowing.

Both tradition-heavy programs frequently sport some of the best collegiate crews in the world. But they’re also known for having one marquee race each year that showcases their program and attracts rowing fans in droves. For Oxford, it’s the legendary Boat Race against Cambridge.

For Washington, that event is the Windermere Cup.

The Huskies will take on Oxford and Syracuse in the 24th edition of the race on Saturday. Held on the opening day of boating season, the annual regatta pits the UW against top teams from both the United States and around the world.

Women’s head coach and rowing director Bob Ernst says the Windermere Cup gives Washington a unique chance to face international competition each year.

“No other college team on a year-in and year-out basis has this opportunity,” he said at a press conference Wednesday. “This year, it’s a special opportunity to have the Oxford crew here.”

Ernst also noted the importance of the Windermere Cup as a showcase for women’s rowing, which sometimes fails to catch international attention.

“In a lot of places in the world, women’s rowing isn’t promoted at all,” he said. “It’s been my personal crusade … to make this opportunity available for women’s crews all around the world.”

The matchup against Oxford hits close to home for UW men’s freshmen coach Luke McGee. McGee rowed for Oxford’s Blue Boat in 2002, a feat that is regarded as one of the highest achievements in rowing.

McGee recounted the pageantry and excitement of the Boat Race, which typically draws 250,000 spectators to the banks of the Thames in London, and compared the experience to the Windermere Cup. He also sees similarities between the teams themselves.

“There are a lot of characteristics the two clubs share and the two areas share,” he said. “Rowing is a big deal in Seattle, and a lot of people love the sport and are connected with it.”

This year’s Windermere Cup will be the last chance this season for Husky fans to see a crew race through the Montlake Cut. Washington hits the road for the remainder of the year, with Pac-10 and national meets coming in May.

And if recent history is any indication, those who watch stand a good chance of seeing a UW victory: The men’s team has won 17 of its past 19 races, with the women not far behind, at 14 for 18.

Reach reporter Andrew Gospe at sports@dailyuw.com.