Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Sarah B. Foster
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Bay Area whaleboat rowing teams converged on Coast Guard Island to compete against each other in the Coast Guard Challenge April 30, 2011.
Twenty-one teams rowed approximately two miles circling Coast Guard Island in Alameda. The Coast Guard men’s team won first place, the women’s and co-ed teams took third. The Coast Guard men’s team remained undefeated since fall 2010.
“With perfect weather, great team spirit displayed by the rowers and lots of community support, we’ve had a great deal of fun,” said Capt. Keith J. Turro, commanding officer of Base Support Unit Alameda and whaleboat team captain. “What makes this sport truly great is the community coming out and coming together to enjoy camaraderie and sportsmanship- it’s all about helping hands.”
Turro revitalized the Coast Guard team after being in hiatus for several years.
More information on the Bay Area Whaleboat Rowing Association can be found here.
