With the sun shinning and warm temperatures to boast, all five of Yale's boats came out on top in today's regatta against Brown. Spirits were high and margins were definitive. A great start to the dueling season for the Bulldogs.
The 3V started off the morning crossing the line a length open over the Bears. Yale looked smooth and in control. Will Powers '20 thought the race was a "great way to start the season." Powers is looking forward to spending more time in the lineup to improve boat cohesiveness. Seth Bartlett '19 said "we did the job we came to do and now onto Dartmouth." The Bulldogs finished in 5:39.5; Brown finished in 5:45.1.
The 2V followed suit winning by almost exactly the same margin. Though the decreasing tailwind throughout the morning makes times difficult to compare, the 2V too looked strong. The Bulldogs bested Brown 5:41.2 to 5:47.6.
The 1V led a commanding performance with the widest margin of the morning. With multiple first-years and sophomores in the crew, the young boat took an early lead and walked away down the course. After a fierce sprint, the Bulldogs finished in 5:34.9. The horn sounded about seven seconds later for the Bears who finished in 5:41.7
The 4V race was highly anticipated by the Yale heavies. Though Yale has constantly beat Brown in the higher boats, Yale has been working intently on building depth and improving performance team wide. The 4V won by a length open causing the entire team to erupt with cheers for the 4V rowers. Yale crossed the line in 5:57.4. Brown finished in 6:03.8. Alex Lindsay '19 said the race "was huge for the 4V and shows the team's depth."
The pressure was on for the 5V who would close out the day bow to stern over Brown. Yale completed the course in 6:04.6; Brown finished in 6:07.5. In completing the sweep, the Bulldogs seemed content with the day's racing but not overconfident.
Craig W. Johnson '68 Head Coach Steve Gladstone presented the Albert Cup to captain Paul Jacquot '18 after the racing. The Cup will remain at the Gilder Boathouse.
The Albert Cup has a unique history. The Cup is named after Christian Albert, Brown '91. His father, also named Christian Albert '65, was a Yale oarsman.
Coach Gladstone said "it was my thought to create this cup. It's named after a fellow I rowed with at the Kent School, who went on to row for Yale's varsity crew for four years them at Oxford. Then, I coached his son Christian Albert at Brown when he was an undergraduate, so it's a nice connection between the schools."
Brown has never won the Albert Cup.
Yale will continue racing at home next Saturday, April 7, against Dartmouth. They crews will compete for the Olympic Axe.
By Izak Epstein '19, Sports Publicity Assistant. You can contact him at izak.epstein@yale.edu
