MIDDLETOWN, DE July 26, 2008 - This past weekend in Delaware, VBC took first place in the Men's 4x at Diamond States Regatta. The crew defeated Syracuse, Three Rivers Rowing Assoc., Passaic River Rowing, and Capital Rowing Club to win the gold medal. The crew of Dan Synder (stroke), Jason Rife, Steve Abbot, and Steve Chilmaid achieved a come-from-behind victory to edge out Syracuse by 1.4 seconds.
In addition, the same crew had an equally exciting race in the Men's 4+, coxed by Katie Wood. Recovering from a slow start, VBC moved out of third position at 250 meters and into second place by the midpoint of the race. In the last 250 meters, VBC was dead-even for 1st place with Riverfront Rowing Club for an all out sprint to the finish, ultimately being edged out by the bow ball (.86 seconds) to claim a second place finish.
Diamond States Regatta is one of the premier masters regattas on the east coast and is attended by top rowing clubs such as Vesper, Potomac Rowing, Saugatuck Rowing Club and others. The course is held on the beautiful Noxontown Pond on the grounds of St. Andrew's Prep School, featured in the film Dead Poet's Society.
This was a great showing for VBC and another opportunity to build awareness for the Club and quality of rowing in Richmond.
