On November 23rd, Village Community Boathouse (VCB) sent two crews and a gig to Fort Point Channel in Boston to compete in the Northeast Regional Youth Open Water Rowing Championships, aka Icebreaker. Hosted by The Hull Lifesaving Museum, the race included more than 250 middle school and high school participants. Beginning with heats in the channel, the event culminated in the Nautical Mile race in the harbor.
Teams came from all over the Northeast, including New York City, New Haven, Avery Point, Boston Harbor, Cape cod, Plymouth, Westport, Lake Champlain, and Maine to race in 30 traditionally built gigs.
VCB’s First Fours (skilled crews in four-oared boats) came in fourth in their category in the heats and second in the Nautical Mile. VCB’s Second Fours came in fourth in the heats, but finished second in the Nautical Mile.
NY Harbor School, who do their on-water programming at the VCB boathouse, sent three crews. They came in first in their categories in the heats and the Nautical Mile.
We are so proud of our NYC high school rowers (VCB and NY Harbor School). Team spirit, small-boat skills, athletics, perseverance, and heart all contributed to their finishing first and second in this highly competitive event.
Special thanks to Ka Ming Wong, VCB High School Rowing Coach/Director for getting the crews to Boston and providing support to the crews on the river. Thanks to Dave Clayton for wrangling boats before, during and after the race. Grateful to Rob Buchanan and Lorne Swarthout for coming to our rescue when the trailer turned over under the Manhattan Bridge. Lee Berman was a great help driving the rig back to Pier 40 on Saturday night after the race. It takes a community!
Second Fours Heats:
The Nautical Mile:
Gig Transport:
Icebreaker Race Results:
