The Crimson heavyweight crew took a leisurely paddle on New York's Orchard Bench Lagoon Wednesday morning and firmly established themselves as the shell to beat in the Olympic Trials.

In its first round competition, Harvard demolished the highly regarded University of Washington varsity by three lengths, and left the Detroit Boat Club and Georgetown far in its wake. The Crimson's beat over the 2000-meter course never exceeded 35.

This morning's semi-finals should provide the Harvard eight with a somewhat sterner test. Their principal foe will be the Vesper Boat Club of Philadelphia, which easily defeated Princeton and the Laconia "C" crew Wednesday. Crimson Coach Harry Parker said that Vesper, consisting of a motley crew of oarsmen ranging in age from 20 to 46, looked as impressive as West Coast powerhouse California in the opening round.

The Golden Bears, rowing at a furious 39-40 beat, recorded Wednesday's best time, 6:22.4, winning their heat as expected. But the comparative times were essentially meaningless, since a strong wind of 12-15 miles per hour cut down the times of the crews which rowed after California.

Crew Gains Quick Lead

Harvard was clocked in 6:24.3. The crew got off at 35, opened a quick ten-foot lead over high-stroking Washington, and was never put under pressure at any time.

In today's heats, the Crimson is pitted against Laconia and the Washington junior varsity, winners of yesterday's repechage races, in addition to the formidable Vasper Club eight. California's opposition is considerably less awesome; the West Coast juggernauts take on the Detroit Boat Club. Washington, and first round winner Yale.

Harvard may be hard pressed to win, but the long-awaited duel between the Crimson and California seems certain to materialize in Saturday's finals.