You’re Invited…

We’re excited to invite W-L Crew alums to several upcoming events!

W-L Crew Alumni Happy Hour: April 17, 2026 / 5:30 p.m.

Alumni are encouraged to join us for an informal happy hour meet-up at Columbia Island Marina on Friday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. Grab some sips and nibbles at Island Time (the marina restaurant), catch-up with old friends, and watch the crew team in action as they practice and prep their boats for the TBC Bustle regatta the following day.

This is an informal, self-pay event with no RSVP necessary. Just show up and spread the word. We hope to see you there!

Location: Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (Ample parking available)

Christening of the Ellie Cochran: April 18, 2026 / 12:00 noon

Alumni are cordially invited to a special christening ceremony hosted by W-L Crew in honor of Ellie Cochran, a distinguished alumna who helped break barriers in the sport of rowing. In 1972, Ellie became the first girl to win a gold medal at the prestigious Schoolboy Nationals regatta. She served as coxswain for the W-L Varsity 2+, alongside Tim Thompson (bow) and Tony Baker (stroke), helping pave the way for future generations of female athletes.

Please join us at Columbia Island Marina as we officially christen and name our new 8-boat after Ellie. She and her family members will be in attendance, ready to reminisce about the early 1970s squads. The short event will begin at 12:00 noon (or whenever the TBC Bustle race ends).

Location: Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (Ample parking available)

Charlie Butt Regatta and Picnic: April 25, 2026 / 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

W-L Crew’s marquee regatta is right around the corner. Held in honor of our team founder, the Charlie Butt Regatta takes place on the Potomac River with great viewing from the Georgetown Waterfront. It is a wonderful, local opportunity to invite family and friends to come down to see the excitement of a race.

Following the regatta, the W-L Crew Boosters will be hosting our annual Family Picnic and Open House at Columbia Island Marina.

Families, athletes, guests, and alumni are cordially invited to join us for the picnic and open house.

What: W-L Crew Family and Alumni Picnic and Open House

When: Saturday, April 25, 2025 / 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (following the morning races in Georgetown, which are likely to end by noon)

Where: Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 (Ample parking is typically available at the marina!)

RSVP: We need every family and alum to RSVP so we can determine food needs. Please include your athlete in the count. RSVP via this form.

Volunteer and Bring a Dish: The Boosters will serve hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers as well as some great picnic side items. Current crew families, please sign up to volunteer and bring a dish.

Regatta parking and waterfront viewing logistics will be shared with team members and families in the April 19th Crew’s News. In the meantime, you can read these general Charlie Butt logistics on our website.

We hope you can join us!