Photo by Barbara Gookin 

Welcome to Nantucket Rowing

Please check this site for updates about competitive rowing on Nantucket.

The mission of NANTUCKET ROWING is to provide residents of Nantucket (girls and boys, women and men) with the opportunity for instruction, training, recreation, and competition in the sport of rowing, using both modern racing shells and the traditional whaleboats long associated with the island.

NANTUCKET ROWING is incorporated as a Massachusetts non-profit corporation and has applied for tax-exempt status as a charitable educational organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a non-profit, Nantucket Rowing relies on modest program fees, fundraisers, and charitable contributions to fund the growth of its programs.

As an organizational member of the US Rowing Association, NANTUCKET ROWING qualifies for inclusion in US Rowing-sponsored events as well as liability coverage through USRA's club insurance program.

Since it's 2007 inception, NANTUCKET ROWING consists of three divisions: NANTUCKET CREW, NANTUCKET ROWING CLUB, and the NANTUCKET WHALEBOAT CHALLENGE, as well as a fundraising arm, the NANTUCKET ROWING FOUNDATION.

NANTUCKET CREW will organize instruction, training, and competition during the academic year for students attending Nantucket Public Schools, with the goal of building an independent rowing program into a school-sanctioned club and eventually a varsity interscholastic sport. (As an independent nonprofit organization, Nantucket Rowing has no formal affiliation with either Nantucket High School or Nantucket Public Schools, although Nantucket Rowing seeks the active participation of NHS students in its junior rowing programs. Any future affiliation with NPS is subject to NPS approval.) 

NANTUCKET ROWING CLUB organizes instruction, training, recreation, and competition for juniors, open, and masters rowers, both novice and experienced, of both genders and all ages.

NANTUCKET WHALEBOAT CHALLENGE will test the feasibility of an open-water competition in traditional whaleboats, on a course to extend from Hyannis to Nantucket. This entails paddling, rowing and sailing with a crew of six. Wooden historic replica whaleboats will be constructed in the fall of 2008 through the winter of 2009, and annually thereafter. The first such competition is July 2009.

NANTUCKET ROWING FOUNDATION will address the capital equipment needs of Nantucket Rowing programs, including (but not limited to) shells, oars, and safety launches, as well as launching and maintenance facilities.

 Currently proposed programs with inaugural dates:

To receive information, rates, current schedules — or, to make a donation to Nantucket Rowing, please contact Barbara Gookin at 508-325-6489 or e-mail:

Nantucket_Rowing @comcast.net