RegattaCentral

Categorized as a club sport under the University's Recreational Sports Department, UGA
Rowing is a self-directed endeavor. Now a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, the team operates
with an annual budget of approximately $150,000, receiving very limited funds from the
University. The team must accomplish a tremendous amount of fundraising in order to
supplement the difference. In order to meet this need, the idea of hosting SERCS was born.

The Southeastern Regional Collegiate Sprints Regatta was first held March 11, 2000 and was
hosted by UGA Crew coaches, officers and team members. The race was originally held at the
1996 Olympic training site in Elberton, Ga. within Richard B. Russell State Park. An immaculate
course design was implemented for several years following its original use by the Olympic
teams, but unfortunately was left to deteriorate over time. Four members of UGA Rowing
attempted to reuse what was left of the original course while making the modifications necessary
to lie out a very straightforward 2000-meter course for spring racing. While offering a great venue
for racing, UGA Rowing elected to move its home regatta from Elberton in the spring of 2004.
With tremendous guidance and support from Aiken County Parks and Recreation and Brian
Sanders, the regatta was successfully held in Aiken, SC on Langley Pond for the next four years.
The SERCS Regatta moved to Gainesville, GA to the Olympic Rowing Venue on Lake Lanier for
the 2009 race and. This venue was closer to Athens, allowed for great volunteer and vendor
support, and allowed for a great day of racing. SERCS is once again moving back to Aiken, SC
at Langley Pond for the 2010 event and we are looking forward to being home!

SERCS is held as a fundraising endeavor for the UGA men's and women's rowing teams, as
well as an opportunity to bring great competition together for a remarkable day of racing. Every
spring since 2000, teams fill the water with racing shells from places near and far. Teams have
included Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Clemson University, University of
Tennessee-Chattanooga, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Savannah College of Art and
Design, University of Alabama, Auburn University, Emory University, Bucknell University,
Skidmore College, Manhattan College, SUNY-StonyBrook and many others.