by Coach Reading

On Sunday, October 6th, Gunston’s rowing team journeyed to Wilmington, Del., to participate in the Head of the Christina regatta. In their first away regatta of the season, the Herons faced a lineup of skilled crews on the challenging 4,400-meter course. The early morning races proved particularly demanding as crews battled against the tide, navigating upstream. Our coxswains skillfully executed sharp turns and expertly maneuvered under the four bridges that spanned the course.

While the Head of the Christina regatta is typically viewed as a developmental race leading up to the faster sprint season in spring, the results for Gunston's rowers indicate they are on the right path to building both speed and momentum.

In a standout performance, the Gunston A boat, Chessie, secured an impressive 2nd place with a time of 17:55.27, just 4.5% behind the winning time from Wilmington Youth. The Gunston B boat, Lynx, finished in 5th place with a time of 19:33.30. Competing against strong regional teams, they showcased remarkable strength and determination, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

The women’s Varsity 4 followed, finishing 12th with a time of 21:51.19 against a highly competitive field. Despite Villa Maria and Gwynedd Mercy A claiming the top spots, Gunston's rowers demonstrated resilience and gained valuable racing experience, which will help them build momentum as the fall season progresses.
In the second half of the day, our Men’s JV 4 crews faced off against top programs. Gunston B finished 5th with a time of 18:38.97, closely followed by the A boat in 6th at 18:53.45. Both crews encountered tough competition, with Wilmington Youth A taking first place with a strong time of 14:53.38. 

In their first regatta of the season, our Novice 8 finished 6th with a time of 18:38.68. Their determination was evident, and I look forward to seeing their skills develop as we move deeper into the regatta season. This year's Head of the Christina provided the team with an excellent opportunity to refine their technique and form for upcoming races. It was an exhilarating day that solidified the team’s growing confidence and competitive spirit. Next up is Navy Day on October 13th at the Schuylkill River.