Monterey Bay Crossing
Tim Huebner Challenge
The Legacy of Monterey Bay Crossing: The Tim Huebner Challenge
The Monterey Bay Crossing is not just a race; it's a tradition that dates back to 1988. Dormant since 2018, athletes will once again take on the challenging but beautiful course over 26 miles from Santa Cruz to Monterey. The race showcases the athleticism and determination of its participants, as well as the stunning natural beauty of Monterey Bay. This year's race is a memorial crossing dedicated to Tim Huebner.
Tim Huebner was an oarsman at Santa Cruz Rowing Club, who passed away suddenly in 2015. Rowing was a passion and he was known for his dedication to the sport of Ocean Rowing - sometimes racing across Monterey Bay, and then turning around after the race to row back to the harbor in Santa Cruz! As many have shared, Tim's extensive experience on the water came with a sense of unspoken trust for his advice and steadfast dedication to being on the water for both his own enjoyment and those around him. We carry his spirit of community with fellow athletes and his humble approach with the ocean through the entire challenge!
Race Day Information
Race Day
Date: Saturday, September 7th
Location: From Santa Cruz Harbor to Monterey Marina
Start Time: 5:30 am to 6:30 am
Post-Race Awards Ceremony:
Date: September 7th
Location: Monterey Marina
Description: Join us on the beach for the awards ceremony, where we will celebrate the achievements of all participants. There will be food, drinks, and storytelling.
Participating Athletes
Name: Dana Foley
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Dana is an NCAA collegiate rower who won the Division II National Title in 2023. She is also an experienced sailor who has sailed across the Pacific Ocean twice and grew up sailing and racing on Monterey Bay.
Name: Virginia Cagney & Rachel Ruby
Type of Boat: Double
Experience: Virginia rowed Division 1 in college for four years and has been rowing on open water since October, 2023. Rachel has been rowing on and off since her college career, and is celebrating being 60 years strong!
Name: Dana Russell
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Dana has rowed across Monterey Bay multiple times and regularly rows with MPYC. Although she hasn't participated in a formal race across the bay, she is excited for the challenge.
Name: Peter Goetz
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Peter has been rowing with the Santa Cruz Rowing Club for five years. This will be his first crossing, and he is enthusiastically training for the event.
Name: Stefan Benton
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Stefan has been rowing with OWRC since 1986 and has completed the Monterey Bay Crossing twice and the Catalina crossing five times. He teaches rough water clinics and is excited for another Monterey Bay adventure.
Name: Amos Fishbein
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Amos has trained extensively in the Santa Cruz area over the past year and has significant blue water sailing experience.
Name: John Petersen
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: A Division 1 oarsman, John has also rowed 700 nautical miles from Chile to Antarctica across the Drake Passage and is excited to take on the Monterey Bay Crossing for the first time. He is one of the race organizers.
Name: Kisarale Douglas
Type of Boat: Single
Experience: Hailing from Kampala, Uganda Douglas is the head rowing coach at UC Santa Cruz with extensive race experience in both sculling and sweep boats at elite national team levels.
Contact Information
Have questions or need more information? Contact us!
Phone: 408-421-8582
Website: www.xmontereybay.com
Volunteer: Contact Tim Kensit