Every Stroke Counts: Support Vashon’s Youth Rowers!

Help VIRC send our Junior Crew to the Head of the Charles! Your donation will cover travel, lodging, meals, and entry fees for our 7 athletes. Support their journey and ensure every stroke counts. Donate today!

GO VASHON!

Note: All funds raised will be allocated toward the overall costs of participating in the Head of the Charles. If we exceed our fundraising goal, any additional proceeds will support our youth rowing programs.

Men’s Double Sculls

Grayson I Alden

GRAYSON: After competing at Youth Nationals three years in a row, I am incredibly excited to row in Boston against some of the best youth rowers in the country. This embodies four years of hard work and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to represent Vashon Island Rowing Club and our community.

ALDEN: When I started rowing four years ago I did not realize how much this sport would become part of my life. After traveling to Sarasota for US Youth Nationals three times, I am excited to row at Head of the Charles. Traveling with my teammates to compete on such a high level is an important milestone in my journey as a rower. I am very excited to prove my ability bowing on one of the most technically demanding courses in the world.

Women’s Youth Coxed Quadruple Sculls

Violet I Gwyn I Gwen I Kiran

Coxswain: Ruby

VIOLET: Returning to Head of the Charles for my second year feels especially meaningful because it will be my last as a high school rower. Rowing has taught me determination, and the value of showing up every day. I am incredibly grateful to have one more opportunity to race in Boston with my teammates, and I want to make the most of every practice, race, and moment leading up to it.

GWYN: I’m so grateful to be returning to the Head of the Charles for the third year in a row. This year feels especially special because it’s my senior year and my final time racing in Boston with my teammates. Rowing has become so much more than a sport to me. It has given me a community, challenged me to grow, and brought some of the most meaningful people and experiences into my life. I’m so grateful for everything rowing has given me and excited to represent my team one more time.

GWEN: I’ve loved rowing with VIRC over these past four years and it’s taught me teamwork, commitment, and discipline whilst also being a source of strength and support. Rowing in Boston this year is going to be an amazing experience that I hope will be an opportunity to grow and learn, both as a rower and a teammate. We’ve all worked super hard and I’m excited for the chance to continue rowing with these three hardworking, strong, and kind rowers!! We’re gonna go hard, go fast, and have fun!

KIRAN: I've been rowing for close to 3 years now and I'm so incredibly excited to go to Head of the Charles for the first time! Through rowing I have built confidence within myself, and deep connections with my teammates, who I now get to call my friends. I feel so lucky to be able to compete with them and represent the island at such a large regatta.

RUBY: I have been a coxswain with VIRC for the past 5 years. The team along with the community and family it comes with have changed my life so drastically. My freshman year I had the opportunity to attend the Head of the Charles with four truly amazing senior girls on the team at the time. That first time on the Charles river changed my view on rowing and let me see it as a much larger sport and community as a whole. The following year I raced again at the Charles and I now get the pleasure of racing a third time with some of the same girls I joined rowing with as a middler schooler. I'm so excited for this upcoming race as I know it will continue to build my love for rowing and my team.

VIRC 2026 Head of the Charles Fundraiser

Help send our Athletes to Boston!