Rowing
Rowing
A Legacy of Excellence, A Community on the Water
Founded in 1922, California Yacht Club has developed into one of the premier rowing programs in the country. Today, CYC is home to a vibrant, year-round rowing community in the heart of West Los Angeles, where adults and juniors—beginners and seasoned athletes alike—train, compete, and grow together on the scenic waters of Marina del Rey.
Whether you’re picking up an oar for the first time or preparing for national competition, CYC offers expert coaching, top-tier equipment, and a supportive team environment to help you thrive. From building lifelong fitness habits to securing collegiate scholarships, our rowing program opens doors—on and off the water.
Our Junior Rowing Program develops middle and high school athletes into confident, competitive rowers. With a mix of land and water training, CYC juniors build discipline, strength, and camaraderie—many going on to race at national events or row in college.
Whether you're brand new or a seasoned athlete, Adult Rowing at CYC offers an inclusive, energizing environment to learn, train, and enjoy the water. Our adult programs combine personal growth, fitness, and fun—set against the beauty of Marina del Rey.
The perfect starting point for ages 12 and up. CYC’s Learn-to-Row Summer Camp introduces new rowers to the sport through hands-on instruction, teamwork, and time on the water. Campers build technique, confidence, and fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
A native of Palos Verdes and a former three-sport varsity athlete, Previn Chandraratna brings unmatched expertise and passion to CYC. He captained the Columbia University heavyweight squad, won a national championships with New York Athletic Club, and trained in residence with the U.S. Senior National Sculling Team. He brings over 27 years of experience at top-tier programs, including Columbia, MIT, and most recently, as the Head Coach of UCLA. His programs have produced eighteen national team and Olympic members. With a Masters in both International Relations and Sports Leadership, he is also an award-winning administrator, earning the PASEsetter award for outstanding program direction and the US Rowing Golden Oars Awards as a member of the Row New York leadership. Previn specializes in technique, performance, and college recruitment.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in gratitude, growth, and joy—helping every athlete discover their potential and love for the sport.
His coaching philosophy is rooted in gratitude, growth, and joy—helping every athlete discover their potential and love for the sport.
Paul Wilkins is a seasoned rowing coach with over 40 years of experience across high school, collegiate, and national levels. He has spent more than 30 years as a head coach in collegiate rowing, working with both men's and women's programs, including UCLA, USC, and George Washington University, where he rowed and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. Paul brings extensive expertise in regatta management, as well as course layout and design. He is a certified USRowing Level II coach and instructor, with hands-on experience in rigging, equipment repair, and trailer driving. A licensed USRowing official since 1986, Paul also has a thorough understanding of NCAA rules and regulations.
