1989

The city of Hampton allowed VRC to take over the space under the Booker T. Washington Bridge (Settlers Landing Road).

The founders, H.Shaw, T.Ferguson and B.Parks fenced it in for their Peinert single shells. Later Coach Gene Jeffords and the founders designed and built boat racks with a floating wooden dock.

 

Jeffords was a coach for William & Mary and guided our early growth and interest in racing.

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Early 1990s

VRC started racing with local clubs after purchasing several boats. As memberships grew, so did our boats.

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- Pocock 4+ (wooden) shell from the Naval Academy

- Vespoli 4+ (carbon fiber)

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Every centennial, VRC adds a red stripe to our oars to honor Hampton, Virginia (Est.1610). Happy Birthday!

 

 

2006

VRC raced at the East Coast National Masters in the 1000m with Mike Page, John Bates, Tom Butterfoss and Bob Howard.

Sandi Hurst an experienced cox inspired and endured us. This crew with Hank Vicellio won their age group in 2006.

 

An old  8+, 2 new 2Xs and another racing 4+ led the intramural and high school racing but without coaching and high school support, racing was dropped.

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2012

A tornado in June 2012 broke our 2 racing boats and most of the club moved on. They were repaired by 2016 and we have slowly rebuilt the club membership. 

 

The pandemic lead to more singles for "distancing" so this list is our present inventory:

 

- 6 Alden training shells

- 2 Maas

- 2 Peinert racers

- Vespolli 4+

- Vespoli 2X

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2015

CNU has shared our boathouse since 2015. We have a coach boat and access to all of the CNUs 8's and 4's.

 

 

2017

Our 20 year floating dock began sinking in 2017 and the City of Hampton graciously put in a new EZ dock made of durable plastic.

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​2020

VRC has taught sculling to several new rowers in the recent years with a growing membership

 

 

2025+

VRC looks forward to an active future of new members. Some of our newer members have helped rebuild this 33 year old club.

 

VRC is one of about 12 other adult rowing clubs in South Eastern Virginia. So, please come join us in this great sport that can be practiced to the end of our times.

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Bob Howard

President

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