WORCESTER, Mass. — It was beautiful weather Saturday at Regatta Point for a New England Interscholastic Rowing Association competition on Lake Quinsigamond.

More than 200 high school boys and girls from across New England took part in the final New England Championship, as 32 teams qualified for the regatta throughout the season.

Teams of four and eight competed on a 1500 meter course. The top two finalists in each event qualified for the Youth National Championship in Sarasota, Florida next month.

Race director Steve McKiernan said the Lake Quinsigamond Regatta is the best high school rowing you’ll see in the United States.

"Sometimes I think the people that are local aren't aware of how popular this venue is for rowing," McKiernan said. "I think people love coming here every year, staying in the city and enjoying really what is one of the best race courses in the country."

McKiernan added that rowing is getting more popular every year with more students participating.

The Quinsigamond Rowing Association and the Worcester Boat Club have also seen increased interest.

This regatta got its start in 1947.