by Deborah Clearman

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Row Around Manhattan on September 16. Despite forecasts of high winds and storm surges, 45 voyagers set out in eight boats from Pier 40 at dawn last Saturday, expecting a sea of whitecaps. Fortunately, Hurricane Lee held off and cool weather made for ideal rowing conditions, with very little boat traffic on the East River. Three members of my crew were from Open Water Rowing at Hull Lifesaving Museum outside of Boston, making their first circumnavigation of Manhattan–and for one, her first trip to New York City. They enjoyed seeing the city from a unique perspective, very different from coastal New England. They were also powerful rowers and our boat Notorious led the pack. 

We were greeted at Halletts Cove in Queens by the kayakers of LIC Community Boathouse—enough room on the tiny beach for all! The sun came out as we rowed up the Harlem River and ducked under the Spuyten Duyvil rail bridge. With the northwest wind at our backs, we sailed down the Hudson and made it home to Pier 40 ahead of schedule. 

We’re proud to have made our $10,000 fundraising goal—a first for the RAM. This includes nearly $2,000 for our high school rowers—a program that introduces young people to rowing, teamwork, and environmental stewardship at a key point in their lives. If you haven’t contributed yet, it’s not too late. You may go here to my fundraising page. Every bit helps!

Once again, a huge thanks to all for your support. Free public rowing continues every Sunday at noon at Pier 40 as long as weather permits, usually well into November. Come row with us!

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