California will send five boats to compete at the 2009 IRA Regatta to be held June 4-6 at Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif., the IRA announced this week. The varsity 8+, second varsity 8+, novice 8+, varsity 4+ and open 4+ will row at IRAs for the Golden Bears. The winner of the IRA's Varsity Challenge Cup, awarded to the boat that wins the varsity 8+ grand final, is considered the collegiate men's champion. Cal has won 15 IRA championships, most recently in 2006. Last season, the Bears won the novice 8+ national title at the IRA Regatta. More...