Message from the President: New Boat Policy

From Eric Danneman

At the direction of the Board, this week we will be implementing a new boat reservation system.

For the past 3 years and continuing this year the NHRC has been enhancing its boat fleet with new boats. With the purchase of the two doubles later this summer, we will have boats of nearly every size available for each skill level. This week, we will implement a reservation system that restricts our recently-purchased and newest boats for use by our more experienced rowers. This system will help preserve our investment. This new boat reservation policy is possible because our fleet has grown considerably due to our recent purchases so even with these restrictions, a boat of every size is available for unrestricted reservations.

Schedules for 2 months have been printed and inserted into the reservation book. During this trial period, please note any concerns or questions you have on the forms or send email to either Eric Dannemann or Audrey Novak (Editor's note: because of our policy of not publishing personal email addresses on the web, please refer to your club directory for these addresses.) The Board will review these suggestions and consider modifications to the list of restricted boats at its August meeting.

The issue of policing these new rules may arise, and if it does I will ask only that we all be aware and make a gentle reminder if we see that the rule is not being followed. A summary of the policy appears below.

Thanks to all,

Eric Dannemann
President, NHRC

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Restricted boats may be reserved and used by Senior rowers only.

See NHRC's Proficiency Ratings on the membership roster to determine whether you are eligible to use one of these boats.

You must be listed as a Senior rower in the appropriate category (sweep, sculling and single) in order to reserve one of these boats. Contact the Safety Officer (Paul Roy) if you are not rated or wish to have your rating reviewed.

Eights: Coxswain seat must have an experienced coxswain or a Sr sweep rower. LTR and novice rowers may not row in these boats. Only 2 intermediate sweep rowers may row.

Four/-: Bow must have a Senior sweep rating. LTR and novice rowers may not row in these boats. Only 1 intermediate sweep rower may row.

Four/+: Coxswain seat must have an experienced coxswain or a Sr sweep rower. LTR and novice rowers may not row in these boats. Only 1 intermediate sweep rower may row.

Quads: Bow must be a Senior sculler. LTR and novice rowers may not row in these boats. Only 1 intermediate sculler may row.

Doubles: Senior scullers only / Singles: Senior single sculler only.