RowOntario Regatta Communications Provided by NPARC

Rick Hughes, VE3ATM of the Niagara South Rowing Club first contacted John Boswell, VA3BOZ of NPARC with a request for volunteers to help with communications for The RowOntario Regatta on the Old Welland Canal at Dain City. As Boz was going to be away on holidays, the request was passed on to me and a call for volunteers from the club was made. The following people responded Brian Kent, VE3BMX, Peter Teminski, VA3WET, Bob Miller, VE3HNH, and myself VA3JV. There were three stations set up along the rowing course. One at the start, one at the finish line and one at the boat house. We passed traffic such as race results and times from the finish line to boat house judges. We passed the names of crews for each race from the boat house to the starting line and we passed starting information such as disqualifications to the finish line. A thunder storm passed near the course canceling the last four races on Sunday. Weather information was passed to race officials by radio.

I would like to take this time to thank all that turned out and to pass on a well done. I was told by the Judges that they have never been as well informed as they were in the last two days. It sure took away a lot of confusion and contributed to the smooth running of the Regatta. Again thanks to all involved.

Jim VA3JV

Morning mist awaits the rowing competitors
© Rick VE3ATM

Brian, VE3BMX sets up the boathouse station.
© Rick VE3ATM

Crews approach the finish line for a close finish.
© Rick VE3ATM

Rick, VE3ATM mans the finish line station.
© Peter VA3WET

Volunteers Needed July 22nd and 23rd for Regatta

The South Niagara Rowing Club is holding the RowOntario Championships Regatta on Saturday July 22nd and Sunday July 23rd and requires communications each day in two shifts. The first shift will be from 07:30 am to 12:30 pm and the second shift from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Six volunteers with hand-helds are required each day to make this work. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Contact Jim, VA3JV at 905.984.6325 for more information and to volunteer.

Inaugurated in 1969, the ROWONTARIO Championships are held over one weekend every July. Typically, over 800 rowers take part, competing in various age, weight and boat categories for men and women. All races take place over a 2000m distance. Racing starts at 7:30 a.m. with heats in the morning and finals in the afternoon. The Championships are open to ROWONTARIO member clubs.

The South Niagara Rowing Club is a non-profit organization, serving the Niagara South communities of Welland, Pelham, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Wainfleet and Niagara Falls. The club provides recreational and competitive rowing programs to adults and youth from our boathouse located on Colborne Street, in Dain City, Welland. It has a 29 year tradition of excellence in rowing that has seen our rowers win provincial and national championships, become members of national teams and receive athletic scholarships in the United States.

Map of the Southern Course