Contributed by Chelsea ’11
In the October issue of The UltraViolet, an infographic compared the California Yacht Club (CYC) crew team and the Marina Aquatic Center (MAC) crew team. As much as I think there was some truth to the article, I am here to give you a real insider’s look at rowing and the fabulous team that is CYC.
Early mornings, pain, stress and injuries are a few of the things I think of when I think of crew. Some of you may be wondering why anyone would ever want to endure this agony, but the answer is simple: crew is a beautiful sport.
Sometimes you need a rowing dictionary to understand crew. There are rowers, who obviously row, and coxswains who are tiny loud people who steer the boat and motivate the rowers. I alternate between rowing and coxing, which allows me two different perspectives on the team.
As a rower, I endure the pain and stress that comes from attempting to perfect each stroke. As a coxswain, I enjoy bossing around everyone who is taller than I am.
However, it’s also difficult to steer an entire boat, give the rowers helpful tips and keep them moving through a race.
There are also two types of rowing: sculling, which is with two oars, and sweeping which is with one oar. At CYC we only scull, while most teams mainly sweep.
Of course many of you have heard about the rivalry between CYC and MAC, who we share the marina with, but instead of bashing the other team I have decided to give you the top reasons why I love CYC.
1. CYC is extremely small. Because we are so small, each member of the team gets individual attention from our coaches.
2. Everyone is extremely close on CYC. We have become a family and are there for each other 100% of the time.
3. We have amazing food, made by our team mom Deb Shaw (mother of Catherine ’12 and Genevieve ’14), at all our regattas.
4. While everyone on CYC works extremely hard, we are not as intense as other teams. We are allowed more flexibility and individuality.
5. Our coaches are amazing. They are all really qualified, helpful and loving.
In conclusion: CYC is the best.
