In August of 1983, a dozen people met at the Persson boatyard in Old Saybrook to begin the process of establishing the Connecticut River Oar and Paddle Club. The proposal was to organize a recreational rowing club somewhat along the lines of a bicycle club, with touring events that would be of different lengths to accommodate people and boats of varying ability and conditioning. There was also some discussion of cruising, racing, and finally, a long range vision to establish chapters of the club along the 410 mile length of the Connecticut River, to open up access to the river for recreational oar and paddle boats, while providing stopover points for people interested in cruising the river's length. Another long term objective was the establishment of a permanent club facility on the river, though initially the Persson boatyard would serve as a base of operations.
The organization evolved fairly quickly into a comfortable and regular schedule of events, with one or two recreational races, a monthly cruise, and a weekend of camping on Seldens Island every month from May through October. During this time a number of members had small children, who grew up with these camping trips as a solid and positively enjoyable part of their childhoods.
Another tradition which quickly became a mainstay of the club was the annual New Year's Day cruise, a noon time departure into sometimes treacherous, often quite pleasant, conditions. This was a tradition pre-dating the club, started by original members Norm Ross and Roger Field, and adopted by the more adventurous club members. It has the virtue of not being a swim on New Years Day.
In 1990, the club launched its first club-built and owned boat, the plywood cox'd four gig Current.This added an element of organized rowing to the clubs makeup, with many extended cruises, outings, the annual Governor's Cup race, youth rowing, camping, and a cross-sound row.
Five years later the club began the building process which resulted in three, 21 foot, lapstrake plywood rowing craft set up to row with one, two, or three rowers. Called the Freshet class after the first boat (which was joined by Apogee and Perigee), these boats allowed the flexibility to accommodate one to nine participants in an event; these boats proved to be a great success, being used on countless outings, races (including a win at the Blackburn Challenge), and several cross-Sound rows.
Then, in 2001, CROPC commissioned a pair of Atlantic 17 rowing dories, which provide a lightweight, easily handled, single-double rowing option for club members. Christened Solstice and Equinox, these boats have also provided many hours of enjoyment and light exercise for the membership.
The decision by the club to build boats for the membership was a successful attempt to add to the options available to the club membership. People without boats could participate in events, every member could experience the unique camaraderie of rowing a multi-station boat often over long distances and always on somewhat open waters. Many experiences were opened up for many people, including the youth who have been introduced to rowing and human powered boats in this fashion.
Youth rowing has included programs and events sponsored by the club, and, held in support of Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Sea Scout, and local school programs. Many adults have also been introduced to the fine sport of open water rowing via the club and its' boats. CROPC is also the local chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association.
However, the majority of club members have always owned and used their personal boats at CROPC events.This has typically brought together a wide variety of small, human powered boats, ranging from sea kayaks and Rob Roy canoes, to sliding seat sculls and many variations on dories, guideboats, and other well tested craft.
Because CROPC is in essence a club for small boats, all of which can be transported by cartop or trailer, it has always been possible to operate primarily as a communication resource, utilizing a newsletter and schedule of events. By maintaining good communications with members, it is possible to bring boats and people together for cruises, races, and other programs. This can (and has) been extended to events at some distance from the club's home waters, which keeps alive the original idea of forming chapters along the river's length to facilitate the use and exploration of outings along the Connecticut River. And, the idea of establishing a permanent base for the club is always a thought if not in the meantime a reality.
For the next postings on the CROPC blogspot, a look forward will be offered towards possible events and activities for 2012 and beyond.
