Olympians, Officeholders, and Dedicated Supporters Help Re-Open Boathouse

Row New York’s grand re-opening of the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse in Upper Manhattan brought together dedicated supporters, Olympians, and Manhattan’s borough president Saturday morning. In celebration of our new expansion onto the Harlem River, supporters and friends gathered inside and outside of our newest boathouse for brunch, speeches, a toast, and boat christenings.
As guests mingled on the boathouse’s second floor, they admired the broad view up and down the Harlem River where Row New Yorkers now practice. Downstairs, they saw the boat bay that houses seven new shells donated by generous Row New York supporters. The Norman J. Goldring, donated by Gary Goldring and named in honor of his father, the Presto, donated by Michael and Kathy Presto, the Nellie, donated by Michele Kass and Richard Shuldiner, the Kraus, donated by Derek Chang, the Falcon, donated by Dominic A.A. Randolph, and the Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss, donated by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, are the newest additions to our inventory.

After a welcome on the dock from Executive Director Amanda Kraus and Board of Directors Chair David Huntington, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer addressed the guests. Stringer, an Upper Manhattan native, lauded Row New York’s expansion into his old neighborhood, noting that the areas we will serve are under-resourced and in acute need of the empowering programming we offer. City Council Member Robert Jackson, who represents Upper Manhattan, also joined us Saturday.
U.S. Olympic rowers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss were on hand with Howard Winklevoss of WinTech Racing. The Winklevosses spoke about their early rowing days at Saugatuck Rowing Club and the exciting nature of a rowing club’s expansion, something Saugatuck experienced and that Row New York is experiencing now.

After speeches from other boat donors and a toast, everyone stepped ashore to christen our new boats, ending the ceremony. Row New York is grateful to our celebration’s guests for their company, our supporters for their generosity, and our partner at the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, the New York Restoration Project, boathouse owner.

Pictured: Tyler Winklevoss, David Huntington, Amanda Kraus and the Winklevosses.