Bob Wetmore for Vice President

NHRC members:

You and I have all read the excellent statements from our candidates. We are fortunate to have so many members who have the vision and commitment to support our Club. While there may be diversity of opinion on how to proceed into the future, there is no doubt as to the dedication of these candidates.

I believe we all should have choices, and in this democratic process (our elections) it is no different. That is what stimulated me to run for VP.

For those who don't know me or have forgotten, I joined NHRC in 1985 when we were still rowing out of Yale. I had rowed first at Princeton and followed at Union Boat Club where I rowed in several small boat that competed at the Worlds. After a hiatus during which I married, fathered, attended med school and completed my orthopaedic residency, I started rowing again. I was fortunate to be in position (along with a core group of members) to make a substantial investment to allow NHRC to acquire land and build our present boathouse. I learned from Stu and our construction experts a tremendous amount about land, foundations, gluelams, shingles, hardwood floors, roofing, etc. Those of us who had an opportunity to be there (1992-94) learned from this volunteer project more about teamwork and commitment than one could have imagined. This is one of the foundations of my longterm commitment to the Club.

I struggle with the issues at hand (membership, competitive program, coaching, expansion, the junior program proposal, finances, building and grounds, regattas, etc.). It is difficult to find the proper balance of emphasis when there are limitations of members (all volunteer work), personal goals (each of us takes out of the Club what we need), money, and uncertain future.

Are we getting too "big"? Our two regattas are extremely successful, but drain our limited human resources. Should we continue to look at ways to cut back DSS and HOHR to more manageable sizes. I worry that these money-making enterprizes will weaken the Host. I believe we have the financial ability to stay afloat without depending as much on the Regattas. It is more important that we figure out how to keep our membership in a growth mode both to compensate for inevitable attrition and get back up to our cap.

Regarding the racing issues, I share the opinion of most of the other candidates that the life and spirit of the Club has been at its best when we were actively training together, scheduling and attending races, and actually performing well (races are won long before raceday...training, diet, skills require long term commitments) . How do we regain this? More masters? More juniors? More diverse rowing backgrounds (former oars, recreational oars, novices)? We risk diluting ourselves if we try to be everything to everyone. I do not think we can model ourselves after Boston's Community Rowing nor can we match the manpower of the rolodex crews (Occoquan / Kent Mitchell / Palm Beach) to compete in every event well.

Yes, there are more questions than answers, but that's the start of introspection. Question everything. Remember why we are here (TO ROW!!!!!). Meld our diverse opinions (that's why we have a Board and not a dictatorship) into a dynamic and productive program. I look forward to being a part of this process.

Bob Wetmore