February 8, 1976

by: Dr. Bonnycastle

The 1975 season proved to be a successful one. Both heavyweight and lightweight crews performed excellently, reflecting hard work and good coaching. As always it was a busy season for those concerned with general club operations. It is evident that more adult help is badly needed.

Each year the club has added new equipment. This year a trailer was added to the list so that we can now transport our shells with reasonable safety and convenience. At the end of the season the club acquired a used single and this will spark some interest.

Financial results will be given by our treasurer. I must say that we owe quite a lot of money but each year sees us improving our position. Fund raising was continued. The Captain’s Dinner was again a great success, especially financially. Private donations were reasonably generous but more local support is needed and hoped for.

Regatta results were pleasing. Times at the Canadian Henley were better than last year though placings not as good. We managed 4 thirds but no seconds (in heats). However in the Nova Scotia Sprints and the Renforth Regatta our heavy four defeated Ontario’s top 4 in both regattas. This is significant when it is realized that the Ontario Champions were at the top in a Henley event. This shows what hard work will do.

At this point I would pay tribute to coaches and oarsmen. To turn out seven days a week all season, in all kinds of weather, on top of winter training, has to be classed as true devotion. That is the name of the game in the world’s most prestigious sport.

An important event of the year was the entry of the Fredericton Rowing Club into the scene. Our club has worked for two years to achieve this. We were able to give their club the old 4 which started us. They now have bought two new fours and threaten our supremacy. So much the better. But we will have to look to our laurels.

In the coming season we shall have lots to do. We shall have to rebuild our floats which, being 4 years old, are in bad shape. Our motors need decisions. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about the water which, too often, is impossible. But perhaps having to put up with tough conditions is what makes our oarsmen tough.

This season, 1976, we hope to add women’s rowing to our list. We expect to have a good turn-out. There will be problems but they can be overcome.

It has been decided to change the name of the club, dropping the canoe part of it. Canoeing and rowing don’t seem to go together and we have found no interest in canoeing.

A change in the style of jersey has been suggested by our oarsmen and adopted.

The club has been in operation 4 years and great progress has been achieved. The names Kennebecasis and Renforth are now known across the land in rowing circles. Last year’s Renforth Regatta attracted some 70 oarsmen and women, a record by a long way. 1976 will be bigger. The club could not have handled the regatta competitions without the strong and generous aid of the Renforth Boat Club. The foundation and progress of these two clubs is a credit to the citizens of the Renforth area and the future should see them grow in size and strength to the credit of all. But this will not occur automatically and I call for the support of all, young and old.

I thank the members of the club, coaches, oarsmen, and management for their fine support throughout the year and congratulate them on their fine achievement.

Respectfully submitted,

C.H. Bonnycastle

President