Kennebecasis Rowing & Canoe Club

by: Dr. Bonnycastle

This report is a continuation of the Club's Policy of keeping its supporters informed about its activities and operations and to attract and encourage new friends to its cause.

First: We had an extremely successful year as the following story will reveal. We more than lived up to expectations.

Second: We acquired two new racing shells (pairs) and a new coach's boat.

Third: Our two crews (light weight and heavy weight) attended the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and distinguished themselves. In our regatta we won most of the races and did very well in the Nova Scotia sprints.

Fourth: Financially, we weathered the storm of expense. $4,800 for two shells; Travel, $3,000; Other, $1,000 (roughly). We raised nearly $4,000, received a grant of $1,000, N.B. Sports contributed $1,100, and we received a loan from the Canadian Association of Amateur Oarsmen of $2,500 repayable in three equal annual installments (interest free). All this was managed, though, not without a lot of hard work. We are still in the RED overall, of course.

The big play was the Royal Canadian Henley in St. Catharines, Ontario. Please realize that this is the largest and most prestigious regatta in North America. Most of the big clubs in the USA and Mexico and of course Canada were present. Enter Kennebecasis, new born, eight oarsmen, one cox, six of whom had never seen a shell before this season, rowing their first race. The competition very extensive - heats to qualify - What chance? Our Coach Lienert (coached Canadian Olympics in 1964 & 1968) said early on, "These crews are competitive. They will qualify for the finals." It was hard to take him seriously. Beat St. Catharines? Toronto Argonauts? Wyandottes? New York AC? (Etc.) Well, six boats in a heat, two to qualify. Our heavy with cox rows first, places second. We have qualified. Next race, light weights win their heat, and later in the cox four win again, beating five big clubs each time. Our heavy without cox, placed fourth, alas. At the last moment coach Lienert entered two of our heavies in the pairs event. (These lads had sat in our new pairs only twice, just before leaving home. These boats only arrived July 21st.) He borrowed a boat. "Don't worry," he said, "they'll do all right." They rowed beautifully and placed third in their heat. (The two who beat them placed one, two in the finals!) We did not win any medals, but we won tremendous praise and credit. Actually, the Kennebecasis Club showed that in its first full year it belongs in the "major league". (The trick will be to keep it up!)

Now we are planning for next year. With two pairs in operation we shall have more oarsmen and more events. In the meantime, our thanks to all our supporters. You have played an important part in the Club's success. We hope you will be with us again next year.

Yours faithfully,

C. H. Bonnycastle

President

KR & CC