Fall Cleaning for Spring Success

The Revitalization Journey

As we close out this year, we reflect with gratitude on the significant progress we've made at the St. Ignatius boathouse. Thanks to the generous financial support, hands-on assistance, and ongoing advocacy from our coaches, alumni and parent community, we have transformed the facility into a safer, more functional space that supports the training of our athletes and the growth of our program. Below is a summary of the key improvements and capital purchases made over the past six months, marking the culmination of two years of advocacy. These changes position us to start the Spring 2025 season in the best shape we’ve been in for years.

Dock Replacement and Equipment Upgrades for Coaches

Over the summer, we removed the old, unsafe, broken wooden dock. We replaced it with a new, floating modular dock, which was made possible by a generous budget-enhancing donation and supported by club fees. This new dock offers a stable and safe platform where our coaches can securely tie up their boats daily while also providing additional space to launch smaller racing shells during regattas. In addition to the dock upgrade, we replaced the old, unreliable motors with new push-start, electric-tilt models. These motors have greatly improved our coaching efficiency, offering reliability and ease of use that the coaching staff truly appreciates. We revitalized and repurposed the usable launches, hauling away the unsalvageable ones that had cluttered the dock for too long. The dock, now free of debris, is safer, more functional, and a much more welcoming environment for training and regattas.

Comprehensive Boathouse Reorganization 

Inside the boathouse, gas shed, and erg room, we embarked on a thorough cleanup and organizational effort. Redundant or obsolete items were discarded or relocated. New rolling racks and stairs have made it easier for athletes to access what they need safely. The reorganized and cleared gas shed now boasts manageable gas tanks, and an alternating system of gas runs between teams is in place. The trailer area was cleared of overgrown brush, boats were removed from the weeds, and new free-standing racks ensured that fours were safely stored. Previously overtaken by storage, the erg room underwent the most significant transformation. It now accommodates 16 Concept2 ergs and by adding six new C2 BikeErgs, bringing the total to 8, we can provide our athletes with more varied training options. The TV has been mounted, enabling coaches to provide immediate video feedback and ability to review technique with athletes. Additionally, plans to finalize the space continue—a dry-erase surface for team workouts and mirrors for form checks will contribute to an athlete-focused, organized, and performance-driven environment.

Fleet Revitalization 

Both the men's and women's teams have fleet plans in place for their racing shells, which are central to revitalizing their programs. We've already replaced old boats with new Vespoli High-Performance shells two years into a five-year plan. One of the key improvements on the women's side has been the addition of fours, which are invaluable for development. Previously, we only had one race-ready four, limiting its use, especially when managing 40-50 athletes. However, with four fours now available, one coach can work with 20 athletes on the water, seat racing in fours and creating dynamic experiences during practice. Additionally, smaller boats help hone crucial skills like bladework and leverage, as they are more responsive, ultimately improving performance in larger boats like eights.

None of these improvements would have been possible without the dedication and support of our entire community. From generous donations to hands-on help hauling away old debris to the countless hours put in by coaches —every contribution made a difference. The boathouse and equipment revitalization reflect an investment in our athletes, their development, and the long-standing tradition of excellence at St. Ignatius.