SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — For the first time ever, Megunticook Rowing sent two crews Sunday, Oct. 31 to the prestigious Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga Springs, New York, one of the largest regattas in the country with more than 160 teams and 1,600 crews from all across the Northeast.

Facing rainy conditions and using borrowed shells from New York’s Niskayuna Rowing Club, both boats faced formidable competition.

First up was the boys varsity 4+. They took on 27 crews over the 2-mile course (3,200 meters) and placed a very strong 16th. A mere 75 seconds separated the first 16 boats crossing the line. As they say in Saratoga, “That’s a horse race!” For perspective, that’s a boat crossing the finish line every 4.69 seconds after racing for two miles. This four was comprised of Conner Howland (coxswain), Dom Piconi (stroke), Devin Guptill (3 seat), Cabot Adams (2 seat), and Noah Thackeray (bow).

Next up was the girls varsity double (2x). Again, using a borrowed racing shell from Niskayuna Rowing Club, and having no time to practice in it, Iselin Bratz (stroke) and Maggie Gill (bow) took on a field of 36 crews from all over the Northeast and finished a very solid 21st.

These two crews faced off against numerous teams they had never competed against before at a regatta Megunticook Rowing had never attended previously and had and outstanding showing.

Tris Coburn is a coach for Megunticook Rowing.