July 2025 Newsletter
July 2025 Berkshire Community Rowing Newsletter
President’s Message:
As you all know, rowing is in full swing (forgive the pun), and we’re getting some calm water these days without too much boat traffic. That will change in July, and we expect to see more motorboats on the water. Here’s an idea: make friends with the fishermen. If you see a fishing boat on your bow, say Hello, and ask if you’re going to cross their line. This goes a long way toward building a positive relationship with their community. In my experience, it also helps me feel more connected to them. Please give it a try.
See you on the water!
Results:
Springfield Sprints – Saturday, June 14
What a great time! The BCR racing team (forever known as BRASS) put up 11 crews in 9 races: high school and masters. Most boats had at least one novice racer, some were 3/4 novices. It was the first race for so many of us! We hope that all of our members will give racing a try. It adds a whole new dimension to our rowing experience. And as the coaches will tell you, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s whether you don’t sink! Last time we sank, this time it was the gold medal and one of the best finish times of the day. Our next race is the Pineapple Regatta, Somerville MA, July 19. Please join us!
Randy Oberle, Assistant Coach (report and photo credits)

Beginner July Intensive Learn to Row:
July 1 – 31
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Please sign up on Regatta Central. Check Regatta Central for details.
Club Day:
July 12, 8 am – 10 am
- Enjoy coffee and refreshments while connecting with other club members
- Move an Eight to an outdoor rack
- Boat maintenance review
- Flip Test & Swim Test options for those interested-be prepared to get wet in your rowing trou or a bathing suit as you enjoy a few minutes swimming in the lake! Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes
Beginner August Intensive Learn to Row:
August 2 – 30
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Please sign up on Regatta Central.
Future Regattas :
Pineapple Regatta in Somerville MA (we can use their boats)
July 19
All ages
Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, MA
July 27
All ages
Head Coach: Patrick Dent

We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Dent back to BCR for his second season with the club and first season in the role as Head Coach! Patrick just finished his second season as an Assistant Coach for the Williams College men’s crew team in 2024-25.
He previously taught math and served as the Head Coach of the Rowing program at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York. Prior to Chaminade, Dent served in a variety of positions across several programs, including Head Novice Coach at Boston Latin School, Sculling Instructor at Thompson Boat Center in Washington D.C. and Intern for the USRowing High Performance Team.
As an oarsman, Dent began his career as a freshman at Gonzaga College High School, where he was a four-time Stotesbury Cup Regatta medalist, two-time SRAA National Champion in the Varsity Eight and a semifinalist in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley.
Upon graduation from high school, he attended MIT, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and was a four-year member of the men’s rowing team.
2025 Programs and Memberships are now posted so please sign up: Regatta Central
BCR Social Media
We’re working on developing our Social Media presence on Facebook and Instagram. If you have pictures or videos celebrating BCR, or a quick story of what happened on your row, please text to Liz at 413-329-3026.
Be sure to check out our website berkshirecommunityrowing.org for info and details about the club and upcoming events.
Come Row with Us!
Editors: The Marketing & Communications Committee
.