Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, July 24, 2025
President Olaf chaired the meeting.
He welcomed Jackie’s sister Chris Dolomount who has attended Corner Brook Rotary meetings before when in Corner Brook.
Program
Ater lunch Rotarian Donna welcomed and introduced the guest presenters Kristen Hansen-Robitschek and Gerard Curtis who spoke about the Humber River Rowing Club of which both are members and Kristen is the Club President.
The Humber River Rowing Club members row from their dock at Brake’s Cove.
The presentation began with a quote from George Yeoman Pocock.
“It's a great art, is rowing.
It's the finest art there is.
It's a symphony of motion.
And when you're rowing well, why it's near perfection.”
The presentation included many beautiful photos of the Bay from early morning to evening which rowers had taken from the water.
Kristen and Gerard took turns in speaking and answering questions during the presentation.
Kristen began by talking about the wooden boats used by the rowing club which seat six rowers plus a coxswain,cox. The cox sits in the front of the boat and steers the boat as well as setting the pace, directing and encouraging the rowers. The Humber River Rowers row in salt water which is denser than fresh water so more effort is required from the rowers. The bay is tidal and there are different currents to add to the rowing difficulties. The rowing season lasts from June until October though it has been known to extend to November. The boats weigh between 500 – 1000 pounds so it takes skill to manoeuvre them on dry land. Kristen mentioned that rowers can row even when there is water in the boat
She then let Gerard speak about the 200th Royal St John’s Regatta in 2018 when the Humber River women rowers won the Women’s Master Class champion race and he was the coxswain for the six rowers. He went through the details of the training, the different heats and then the final race. He believes it was the determination of the crew that resulted in the winning of the gold on what was an extremely hot day. The team who had trained hard had no expectation of winning before the race, but it was wonderful to win the Master Class Champion race.
Kristen talked about the ups and downs experienced by the club and the loss of boats resulting in the rebuilding of the club. Rowing is a demanding as a recreational activity but for the local rowers it is a passion and for all rowers a fabulous sport.
Adam also a rower thanked Kristen and Gerard before the meeting adjourned.