Kenmore Community Rowing Club Celebrates Major Milestone with First Racing Shell Purchase

September 22, 2025

Contact: Kenmore Community Rowing Club info@kenmorerowing.org

KENMORE, WA - Kenmore Community Rowing Club (KCRC) marks a significant milestone in its growth with the acquisition of its first racing eight, a WinTech King shell. This achievement represents a remarkable journey from the club's humble beginnings as it advances into competitive Pacific Northwest rowing.

"This is a transformative moment for our club," says Siobhan Quirke, Programming and Operations Manager. "The addition of a competitive racing eight opens up new opportunities for our athletes and demonstrates how far we've come as an organization."

The club has been experiencing steady growth, as evidenced in their 2024 annual report showing significant increases in both youth and adult participation. The new shell will debut at the upcoming Tail of the Lake regatta on October 5, where KCRC will race alongside their Kenmore Public Boathouse youth partners from the Northshore School District.

The club's commitment to community access is demonstrated through their robust financial aid program, which fully funded all youth aid requests throughout their 2024 and 2025 summer programs, ensuring that rowing remains accessible to all local youth regardless of financial circumstances.

The acquisition was made even more memorable as KCRC members traveled to the historic Conibear Shellhouse at the University of Washington to pick up their new shell. The Shellhouse, a landmark in American rowing history and home to one of collegiate rowing's most successful programs, provided a fitting backdrop for this milestone moment. "There's something special about watching the UW shells during morning practice, seeing some of collegiate rowing's finest athletes prepare for their day," notes Coach Julian Eames. "It inspires our rowers to push harder and dream bigger."

KCRC's presence at upcoming Pacific Northwest regattas will mark another step forward in the club's evolution, demonstrating its commitment to competitive rowing while maintaining its core values of community engagement and accessibility. About Kenmore Community Rowing Club: Founded as a community-based organization, KCRC provides rowing opportunities for youth and adults in the Kenmore, Bothell, and Lake Forest Park areas. Operating from the Kenmore Public Boathouse, the club offers programs for all skill levels, from learn-to-row courses to competitive training.