1978

Renforth - The Kennebecasis Rowing Club has put its boats back in the clubhouse for another year, after strong showings at several competitions during the past few weeks.

Although 1978 was primarily a rebuilding year for the club, with the majority of its crews novices the club finished in second place, only seven points behind champion MicMac of Dartmouth, at a regatta in Nova Scotia on August 19.

The Allan brothers, Mark and David, 1977 Canadian and Canadian Henley gold medalists in heavyweight men’s pairs competition easily captured their event at the Dartmouth race, with the majority of other points coming from second and third place finishes, said Dr. C. H. Bonnycastle, president of the club.

A junior novice crew, composed of rowers 13 to 15 years of age, competed in the club’s new fibreglass eight-man shell for the first time, and showed promise for next season, said Dr. Bonnycastle.

During the Royal Canadian Henley in St. Catherines, Ont., the men’s heavy pairs attempted to defend their title against 22 teams from Canada, the United States, Cuba and Egypt, but finished second in their heat behind the eventual gold medalist, University of Pennsylvania, and were eliminated.

The men’s light four placed well in their heat, qualified for the final and won the bronze medal, said Dr. Bonnycastle.

The women’s four and the women’s pair did not reach the finals in their events, the club president said.

He said there were over 200 boats and 2,000 rowers participating in the Canadian Henley this year.