BALTIMORE, MD June 20, 2009 - A contingent of VBC masters and open sweep rowers travelled to Baltimore for some early season competition at the Charm City Sprints. Stormy weather was the story for the day with thunderstorms and heavy showers rolling through the area all day long. Nearby lightening caused a couple of weather delays but race organizers managed to get all races in. Thinking ahead, the VBC rowers brought two large tents which helped to keep everyone somewhat dry during the deluges. However, as the race announcer pointed out several times, "it's a water sport!"
Racing action started off with the Women's Masters 4+ B race. The VBC women (Erin Simon, Julie Renstrom, Joanne Haarstick and Naomi Howard) finished 5th in a very competitive heat with a time of 4:08. The race took place in a heavy downpour.Next, the VBC men (Nick King, James Thomas, James Martin and Mark Willis) raced the Men's Masters 4+ B-D event. They finished in 2nd place on the water with a time of 3:47 but with the time handicaps to the other boats were relegated to 4th (it's the young guys in their boat!).
Just before the lunch break, the Mixed Masters 4+ B-C took place. The VBC crew (Thomas, Willis, Simon and Renstrom) placed 3rd with a time of 4:05.
After lunch and another weather delay, the Women's Open 4+ was held. VBC masters rower Debbie Gilfillan joined summer college rowers Samantha Smelley, Lauren Coogle and Eliza Barry to finish 2nd with a time of 4:10.
VBC racing finished up for the day with the Mixed Masters 8+ A-B event. The VBC crew (King, Thomas, Martin, Willis, Simon, Renstrom, Haarstick and Howard) raced to a 2nd place finish with a time of 3:30.VBC coaches Christina King and Jaimie Gillespie prepared their crews well for the event and the team made a good showing for the club. Special thanks to coxswain Sarah Howard (Naomi's sister) who joined us for the racing.
