June 2026 Newsletter
June 2026 Berkshire Community Rowing Newsletter
President’s Message:
We’re finally on the water. Today (May 20) was absolutely beautiful. We had many boats out and Dockmaster Loren was wrangling us with his usual gusto. Water/air temp is warm enough for singles. As you can see from today’s 6:20 am picture, the conditions were spectacular!
Come Row with Us!
On the admin side, the Trustees are organizing and updating our policies and filling holes where policy is unclear or missing. Thanks especially to Trish McPhee and Christine Morin for taking that on. Policies will be on the website for review, and we’ll let you know when to look.
Random Rower’s Corner ~ Joanne Murphy
In June 2011, I attended the BRASS (BCR) Learn to Row event and was instantly hooked. I still remember getting my very first erg instructions! I immediately signed up for the four-lesson series to learn how to row independently. While my time on the water was limited to about once a week that first summer, everything changed in April 2012. I officially signed up as an “oarsman”, rowed 5-6 mornings a week and was racing doubles and quads by the end of the summer. This will be year 15 for me!
Learn to Row Saturday, June 6th – spread the word – word of mouth works!
link to 2026 Learn to Row Flyer
Sign up on RegattaCentral, regattacentral.com.
There are two sessions
- 8 am – 9:45 am – 12 spots remaining
- 10 am – 11:45 am – 2 spots remaining
Sue Hanson and Christine (VanAlstyne) Morin, who are leading this effort, need several volunteers to row doubles with attendees, as well as coaches on the ergs and the oarmasters. Some “dock elves” are needed to help folks get in and out of boats, and to get boats on and off the dock. Friendly faces to chat with folks about the joys and benefits of rowing are always welcome. Please email Sue or Christine, if you haven’t already, and let us know your availability. thanks!!
Sue Hanson shanson6@juno.com
Christine VanAlstyne organizeitchris@yahoo.com
Getting on the Water pamphlet
link to “Getting on the Water with BCR” brochure
Policy Review: High Viz Clothing and Liability Waiver
- All rowers must wear high-visibility shirts and/or hats: neon green, yellow, pink or orange.
- All members and program attendees must sign US Rowing’s liability waiver on their website.https://membership.usrowing.org/ If you need help with this, reach out to info@berkshirerowing.com
CrewLAB app – a must have!
Here is the link to connect with other BCR members through CrewLAB to work out together and use the app to find workouts you can do on your own…or both! Go to the CrewLab Page to download the app, crewlab.io/get-started/ Our team codes are:
- Masters: srk-lweu-pww
- Juniors’ Parents: jwn-etkt-hvg
- Juniors: taz-kloc-xyh
PS The Remind app is no longer in use by BCR.
Coaches’ Corner
We are looking for volunteer coaches to help train novices. And yes, we have a manual to help your effort. Coaching novices improves your own rowing. Contact Connell McGrath if you’re interested. president@berkshirerowing.com
Juniors Coached Summer Rowing Program – spread the word and see the picture below!
June 29-Aug 21
- 9am-11am Monday-Wednesday-Friday for beginners
- 9am-11am M-Tu-W-Th-F ; for those with at least one season of rowing experience
Sign up on RegattaCentral, regattacentral.com.
A new addition to BCR’s fleet
The club has purchased a new midweight racing double from Genesee Rowing Club in Rochester, NY. It was manufactured in 2014 and is very light and super fast. If you want the privilege of naming the boat, get in touch with the Trustees with a donation offer. Currently it’s listed on RegattaCentral as Unnamed Hudson if you want to reserve it and are a proficient level rower.
Best Resource Ever!
You can always find the most up-to-date information on the club’s activities by visiting BCR’s website, berkshirecommunityrowing.org.
Come Row with Us!
Editors: The Marketing & Communications Committee