Help Us Replace Our Stolen Launch

Lightweight Rowing Club of California - Help Us Replace Our Stolen Launch

Last summer, our team suffered a significant setback when our launch motor was stolen. We are now operating with only one launch motor that must be shared among three coaches. Launch motors are essential equipment that allow us to safely send boats out on the water and provide crucial coaching support during training sessions.

We are reaching out to our community for help in purchasing a replacement launch motor so we can return to full operational capacity and continue providing the best training environment for our athletes.

NAMING OPPORTUNITY: If you donate over 50% of our donation goal, you can name our new launch!

Quotes from members of our team

"Coaching launches are a critical component of having safe and effective practices. They are the platform from which we give all our most important coaching, provide a safeguard against accidents, and aid in medical emergencies. All members of our team rely on having an appropriate number of reliable launches to have great on-the-water experiences."

Leon Maurer, Head Coach

About the Lightweight Rowing Club of California

The Lightweight Rowing Club of California (formerly Cal Lightweights) is a storied program with more than 50 years of history, dedicated to developing athletes and competing at the national level. Today, our team is home to over 50 men and women who train six days a week, embracing early mornings and rigorous workouts driven by their love of rowing and the bonds of teamwork.

Our team prides itself on inclusion. We welcome and train any student committed enough to join us as part of our broader mission to expand the sport of rowing and share its benefits with the Berkeley community.

Recent Achievements

At the Western Intercollegiate Regional Association (WIRA) Championships in Sacramento, California, we placed 1st in both the Men's Novice Lightweight 4+ and Women's Varsity Pair. Our women's pair extended their regional success to the national stage, bringing home gold at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the United States.

The Cal Lightweights proudly represented UC Berkeley in Shenzhen, China, at the 2025 X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes Rowing League. Competing alongside prestigious institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University, University of Oxford, University of Sydney, and University of Cambridge, as well as local Shenzhen universities, our team placed 5th in the mixed eight category.

Your support will help ensure our athletes can continue training at the highest level and representing UC Berkeley with pride at regattas across the country and globe.