May 2025 Newsletter
President’s Message
We had a very productive Annual Meeting on April 16.
- The main message to the club was that we couldn’t consistently pursue our mission of outreach to the Berkshire community until we stabilized our core functions of Administrative Support, Marketing/Communications, and Equipment/Facilities.
- Members stepped up! Those committees are now populated with dedicated club members and will be taking over core functions in the coming weeks. Thank you to all who attended and committed to help run the club! Also, the boathouse is now open so… Come Row with Us!
Connell McGrath
Boathouse Opening
- Thank you to Melissa Greenlaw, for organizing the boathouse opening, and thank you to all who assisted. Thank you to the Williams College Coaches for the second attempt to get the dock in. They were successful. We are ready to row.
On the Water Details
- You must sign the US Rowing Waiver online before your first row.
- The Club’s Getting Started Guide is posted on the website. And be aware, in particular, of the temperature restrictions: We follow the Hundred Degree/Four Oar Rule. If the combined water and air temperature is below 100°, there must be a minimum of four oars on the water (i.e., no singles or pairs) and life jackets (provided) must be in shells at all times.
- Rowing is weather dependent: temperature, fog, wind, lightning, and so on. The Dockmaster is the ultimate determinant of safety.
- Good News: One of our “workhorse” boats (Blue) was reconditioned during the off-season. It will be transported back to the boathouse soon. Be patient.
Coached Rowing
Patrick Dent, who coached BCR last summer and who is currently
finishing up coaching the collegiate year at Williams College, will be
coaching in June, July, and August.
The Coached Rowers are strongly encouraged to train for a Sprint Regatta in the Summer and a Head Race in the Fall. Even if regattas per se are not your primary goal, the focused training will enrich your enjoyment.
For the rest of April and in May, volunteer coaches will begin the coached rowing program.
Coached Rowing will use the CrewLab app. You must be on this app to participate.
https://crewlab.page.link/qaF9RaibK7EECScC9
The team code is srk-lweu-pww
Upcoming Events
- Saturday, April 26
- Healthy Kids Day at the Berkshire Family YMCA – Thank you to Sue Hanson and Matt Vella for volunteering to run it.
- CANCELLED: Scrimmage on Onota
- Saturday, June 7, National Learn to Row Day
- Everyone invited. Help us introduce rowing to the next Team Lead: Sue Hanson! (Thank you Sue!)
2025 Programs and Memberships are now posted:
Come Row with Us!
Editor: Ted Humphrey
Pub Date: April 24, 2025