Since the turn of the 20th century back in 1903, Cal and Washington have put aside one weekend each year to face off in “The Dual,” a highly regarded event around the collegiate rowing community.

Both schools will send their men’s and women’s crew teams to Cal rowing’s home of Redwood Shores for one of the most historically heated meets in country. With both schools consistently ranking among the best in the nation, especially this spring, the level of competition for this April 21 regatta is as fierce as it gets.

While Washington holds the all-time series record in both men’s and women’s departments, Cal rowing has literally been unbeatable this year.

The Bears have put together an incredible start to the 2018 spring season, as they have yet to lose a single race in any event type for both women and men.

With that being said, Washington is also a rowing powerhouse, as its women’s team is currently ranked No. 1 in the CRCA/USRowing Coaches’ Poll, with Cal placing a close second. The rankings for this week have yet to be released, but regardless of who is at the top, the No. 1 spot for next week is presumably up for grabs based on this Saturday’s results.

The men’s team currently sits atop the USRowing Coaches’ poll, but it does not hold much of an advantage on paper, as Washington is right in the mix at No. 3.

Normally, The Dual consists of four races on each side: the men’s and women’s first, second and third varsity eights and the varsity four.

This year there will be a minor change, as there will be 10 total races, with freshman eight races being added for both genders in the Pac-12 showdown.

As a whole, Cal and Washington split last year’s dual four to four, but both the Cal men and women won the main varsity eight event, so the Huskies will most certainly have a sour taste in their mouths leading up to Saturday.

With both schools vying for the top rank in the nation, the 106th edition of The Dual should live up to its reputation as the most intense rowing rivalry of the West Coast.