History
Founded in 1988, CRC is home to an active membership of more than 400 rowers from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Situated on the banks of the historic Anacostia River, CRC offers sweep and sculling programs for people of all ages, of diverse background, and of all ability levels, ranging from novice programs to recreational programs to competitive racing for advanced rowers to adaptive rowing.
CRC created the Capital Adaptive Rowing Program (CARP) to introduce the sport of rowing to individuals with disabilities including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and visual and cognitive impairments.
CRC is also home to a well-established Juniors program that allows any student from any local school to row, regardless of background or income. CRC Juniors introduces DC youth to the profound meaning of participating in a sport that prioritizes dedication, teamwork, and community stewardship. Each summer, CRC also holds learn-to-row camps for area youth, giving them a chance to explore and enjoy the Anacostia River while developing basic rowing skills. CRC has also partnered with several area schools to establish rowing programs.
Each year, CRC introduces 100+ rowers to the sport through its Novice Learn-to-Row Program, supported by CRC rowers who volunteer their time on Saturday and Sunday mornings to help novice rowers discover the challenge and achievement offered by the sport of rowing. Graduates from the program most often get hooked to rowing and enroll in one of the many programs the club offers.
Under the leadership of the husband and wife coaching team of Guennadi and Elena Bratichko (herself a former Olympic medalist), CRC developed a competitive sweep racing program that has earned local and national respect with rowers often having graduated from the club’s own novice program. CRC has repeatedly raced to top-five finishes at U.S. Rowing’s Masters National Championships, as well as prominent races such as the Independence Day Regatta in Philadelphia and the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston.
CRC’s club rowing programs, which have morning and afternoon schedules, accommodate rowers of different ages and varying levels of experience.
Rowers with CRC enjoy river views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and the Washington Nationals’ baseball park, as well as the Washington Navy Yard, Haines Point, historic Fort McNair and National Airport. CRC’s efforts to develop and promote rowing on the Anacostia reached a turning point in 2003 with the dedication of the Anacostia Community Boathouse. The 7,000 square foot facility is now home to ten member organizations and hosts numerous community programs, regattas, and events.