If you noticed the number 23 in the GCRA display case and were wondering, that represents the bow marker that the Senior Women’s Masters Four+ (>50 yrs) carried at the Head of the Charles in Boston Oct 22. The Head of the Charles is the largest two-day regatta in North America and draws former, current, and aspiring Olympians from around the world to test their skills on the 2.9 Mile course that winds its way between Boston and Cambridge. Given the level of the competition, it can be difficult to even gain entry to this regatta. Crews that finish in the top 50% secure an entry for next year and all others potential entries are relegated to a random draw.

The rowers (Mary B., Kristie S., Dana P, and Vicki H) started in position 23 out of 24 entries and powered their way to a sixth place finish with a time that was only 3.71% behind the winning boat. Erika B., an OSU graduate and former coxswain for the NCAA women’s team, coxed what is known as a “coxswain’s race” due to the twists and turns in the course. Lynne O., who was umpiring on the River St. Bridge, which is about a mile into the race and spans the area known as the “power stretch”, cheered silently as they blasted through the competition. Later Vicki said “It was fun to pass seven boats.” Congratulations to this crew for demonstrating how hard work and persistence can pay off. Their finish guarantees GCRA an entry in this category next year. For additional information, see hocr.org

Also rowing at the Charles was Micheala B., a GCRA member who recently moved to Wisconsin. She and Kathleen C., a referee from San Diego, rowed in the Women’s Masters Double. Although they didn’t finish high enough for a guaranteed entry next year, they were pleased with their row and the opportunity to participate in such a significant event.

Several dozen GCRA rowers representing both the RTR and CTR programs participated in the Head of the Cuyahoga in Cleveland on September 17, 2011. The regatta was the first head race at that venue since the Cleveland Rowing Foundation moved into its new boathouse. The site was very hospitable and bodes well for the first USRowing Masters Head Race to be held there next fall. GCRA did well in both sweep and scull categories with gold medals going to the WM4+ and the WRec4+, silver going to the MixRec8+ and the W1x(C), and bronze going to the MixM2x and W1x(D). Congratulations to all for a strong showing for the first race of the head racing season.

2011 Speakmon Regatta Information

Please click here for the 9/1/2011 published update regarding the 2011 Speakmon Memorial Regatta, hosted by GCRA on 10/15/2011.  Following information will be available updated on Regatta Central.

GCRA Hosted Regatta Dates for 2012

GCRA will again be hosting the Midwest Masters Sprints and Speakmon Memorial Regattas on Griggs Reservoir in 2012:

• June 16th, 2012 - Midwest Masters Sprints
• October 13th, 2012 - Speakmon Memorial Regatta

For a basic overview of these events, please see our Regatta Page

Thirty three competitors from Coach Cisne’s Continue to Row and Ready to Race Programs descended on Argo Pond in Ann Arbor to compete in the Michigan Club Invitational Regatta on July23. After a brief rain delay in the morning, the skies cleared and the crews went to work. Nineteen crews participated in 16 events earning a total of nine medals. Gold medals (and two named cups) were won by the W Masters 4+, the Mixed Masters Nov/Rec 8+, the M Open 1x and the W Masters 8+. Silver medals were won by the Mixed Open 4+ and the M Nov/Rec 4+. Bronze medals were won by the Mixed Masters 8+, the M Masters 4+ and the W Open 4+. In addition, there were fourth places finishes that were heart-breakingly close. At the end of the day, GCRA came in second in overall team points, finishing a mere 2 points behind the home team: The Ann Arbor Rowing Club. This was the final sprint competition of the summer before the Master’s National Regatta in Oklahoma City next month, where some of these same line-ups will compete against crews from across the US. Those not attending Master’s Nationals will now turn their attention to gearing up for the fall head racing season.

Ten GCRA members participated in the Chicago Sprints, which were held July 9 and 10, 2011. This race is unique in that it takes place in a metal-sided lagoon located between Lake Shore Drive and the Lincoln Park Zoo. There are only 2 racing lanes, so the regatta is called “Henley”-style. In heats and semi-finals, crews are advanced on time. The crews with the top two times then meet in a final, which decides the gold and silver medals. Five of the eight participating crews returned with medals. Gold medals were won by the Mens Lightweight Double and the Womens Masters 4+ and silver medals were won by the Mens Open 1x, Mens Lighweight 1x, and Mens Masters Lightweight 1x. The remaining crews were pleased with their performances and are hoping to show improvement at the Michigan Club Invitational Regatta in Ann Arbor.