In response to the growing popularity of the Row Around Manhattan, VCB hosted two official RAMs this year. On Saturday, August 29, we welcomed outside groups for their own special RAM. Thirteen rowers from Buzzards Bay Rowing Club and five from the United Kingdom joined VCB coxes and experienced rowers to fill out their crews in four boats, ending their day with pizza in the boathouse.

Two weeks later, on September 12, 37 VCB members set out at dawn. The water was glassy as we rowed down around the Battery and up a relatively tame East River. Several boats stopped in Anable Basin for a festive breakfast provided by LIC Community Boathouse. Others went on to Hallets Cove for a run to Costco. We reconvened at Hell Gate to enter the long stretch of the Harlem River under many bridges. Commodore Marcel raised a sail on DTH. We emerged through the swing bridge at Spuyten Duyvil and crossed the Hudson to Englewood beach, to enjoy picnic tables and rest rooms. On our last leg as we passed under the George Washington Bridge, a strong wind from the south sprang up. We battled headwinds and huge waves down the Hudson, reminding us of last year’s RAM. At sunset, exhausted crews staggered back onto Pier 40 for a celebratory party.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, we exceeded our $12,000 goal. Many thanks to all who donated to support VCB’s free rowing programs for the public and high school youth. It’s not too late to donate. Just go here.

Huge thanks to all the volunteers who made this RAM exceptional! Be sure to watch the silent video at the end, “Impressions of the RAM,” by videographer and chase boat captain Ingo Gunther.

Scroll down to watch “Impressions of RAM”

2026 Row Around Manhattan