Island rowers stage stellar show

A Bainbridge Island Rowing Master’s boat competed in the recent 54th Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts

The Women’s four — Amy Burton, Ann Livengood, Karol Danielsson and Celia Clark (stroke – bow), along with BIR junior coxswain Sam Bloom — raced in sunny, windy conditions along with more than 2,300 entries from 805 rowing clubs.

“It was a real honor to have participated in the competition alongside 11,000 other rowers from around the word,” Danielsson said. “It was a truly unforgettable experience.”

“Having the opportunity to race at such an amazing and prestigious event was the experience of a lifetime,” agreed Bloom.

“The competition was tough, but we rowed well and had a blast while doing it.”

The Head of the Charles Regatta is known as a coxswain’s race, with seven bridges and some intricate turns to maneuver. Bloom meticulously prepared for the event, officials said, and provided stellar steering, allowing the boat to knock meters off the race distance.

The five began training in August, with many in the BIR community helping them prepare for this international event.

“While the boat didn’t place in the top half of our race, it is an incredible honor to be included in this regatta; rowers of all ages and from all over the world participate,” Livengood said.

“We are so appreciative of the tremendous support from our home rowing community,” Clark agreed.

Next up for Bainbridge Island Rowing was the decidedlyl closer-to-home “Brrr” Regatta, in Bainbridge Island’s own Eagle Harbor, on Nov. 3 and USRowing’s Head of the Lake Regatta from Lake Union through the Montlake Cut, to Lake Washington in Seattle, on Nov. 4.