The Tribune

NASSAU Rowing Club held its fourth annual 12-hour ergathon at Solomons Fresh Marke, Old Fort Bay Town Center, on Saturday.

Over the course of the day, 27 Nassau RC members, friends, family, and associates rowed a collective 172,414 metres - approximately 107 miles - on rowing machines, known as ergometers, or “ergs” for short.

The event has become a staple in the club’s calendar and the primary fundraiser. This year’s efforts were focused on shipping costs for the club’s newly-acquired coxed four, currently located in New York City.

When the new shell arrives, the Nassau RC will boast a fleet of four racing-quality shells: two double sculls, and two coxed fours, which will enable rowers to train side-by-side, and even hold regattas on Lake Cunningham.

“The ergathon provides a special opportunity for us to show the Bahamian public what rowing is all about,” says Kyle Chea, founding president and head coach of the Nassau RC. “We had people learning basic rowing technique, talking with current rowers about training, and getting a close look at a racing shell. We’re usually done with training by the time most people wake up, so it’s great to educate our the people in the community about what we do to advance our sport locally.”

The club derives most of its financial support from corporate partners and sponsors. This year, the Nassau RC is grateful for the support of Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law; Bahamas Medical Center; John Bull; Asa H Pritchard Ltd; Super Value; Lennox Paton Corporate Services Ltd; Solomon’s Fresh Markets; Odyssey Aviation; W.E. Services; Powerboat Adventures; Higgs & Kelly, Counsel & Attorneys-at-Law; PCL Imports; Cole Insurance; SunTee EmbroidMe; SMG Construction & Millwork; and Disston Realty.

A statement from Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher, lead sponsor for the fourth consecutive year read: “HPF is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the Nassau Rowing Club and the development of rowing in The Bahamas. The club continues to identify rowers and attract adults through its Masters programme. We are confident the groundwork is now in place for the club to expand its activities even further. The future looks bright for competitive rowing in The Bahamas.”

Competitive rowing is the primary focus of the club, as it provides racing experience to the rowers who aspire to represent The Bahamas in international competitions, as well as providing visibility abroad to sponsors and partners. This year, the club plans to compete at the Miami International Regatta, the Florida Masters Regatta, and the 52nd Head of the Charles Regatta. The club also has plans to field its top rowers at the World Rowing Junior Championships in August, and hopefully at the Olympic regatta later this summer.

The Nassau RC also intends to hold its annual Learn to Row camp over the summer for local high school students to expand access to, and awareness of rowing locally.

The Nassau Rowing Club is a not-for-profit organisation, and was established on August 10, 2012 with the aim of developing the premier competitive rowing programme in The Bahamas for rowers of all experience, age and fitness levels.

For more information, contact the Nassau Rowing Club at NassauRowingClub@gmail.com, or via Facebook at Facebook.com/NassauRowingClub.