Washington College officially breaks ground on its new boathouse Wednesday evening.
The $5 million facility along the Chester River will serve the college’s esteemed sailing and rowing programs, with new workout equipment, locker rooms, and an indoor rowing tank that accommodates 16 rowers.
The new Hodson boathouse also has a wraparound deck with expansive views of the Chester.
“Few schools are lucky enough to have a river as beautiful and storied as the Chester as part
of their history and fabric,” says College President Kurt Landgraf.
The new boathouse will hold the College’s sailing class, which blends nautical
knowledge with other liberal arts disciplines, exploring wind and tidal dependence with an
emphasis on safety.
The facility will also play a central role in Chestertown’s annual RiverFest, co-sponsored by Chestertown RiverArts and the College’s Center for Environment Society, with kayak races, rowing demonstrations, environmental displays, and a cardboard boat parade and race.
The Chester River Rowing Club, a community group of masters racers and recreational rowers, is expected to use the new boathouse, as well.
The Hodson Boathouse received donations from more than 150 donors, including former team
members and other alumni. “The new boathouse will be a tremendous addition for our three
varsity boating sports, enhancing the student athlete experience and giving us a significant
advantage in the recruitment of prospective student athletes,” says Director of Athletics
Thaddeus Moore.
