Rowing in Worcester Enjoys a Buoyant History

Jeff Adkins

While the Worcester region might be known for its 21st-century high-tech companies, one of the most popular outdoor activities in the region is a decidedly low-tech sport. Competitive rowing in Worcester has taken place on Lake Quinsigamond – located between Worcester and the town of Shrewsbury – since the mid-1800s.

Why Is Rowing in Worcester So Popular?

The paper-clip-shaped lake has proven to be an ideal place to row these boats, partly because it is long enough (about 4 miles) to provide plenty of space for racing, while narrow enough to give spectators a good view of the action from the shore. 

As a result, racing regattas are held on the lake nearly every weekend throughout the spring – including such major events as the Eastern Sprints and the New England Rowing Championships – and regularly during the summer and early fall as well. In addition, the lake is used for training by several college rowing teams (Holy Cross, Assumption, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University) as well as high schools (Worcester Public Schools, Saint John’s, Shrewsbury High, Bancroft, Worcester Academy). 

“Lake Quinsigamond is recognized as one of the best places for a 2,000-meter course, which is the typical Olympic distance,” says Jeff Sturges, a longtime member and current president of the Quinsigamond Rowing Club. “The shape of the lake is great for the setup of the regattas. And from a terrain standpoint, the Worcester Hills are to the west, and the winds primarily come from the west, so the lake is fairly well protected.” 

Jeff Adkins

Local Legend’s Rowing Center 

Adding to the natural appeal of Lake Quinsigamond is the human-made convenience of the Donahue Rowing Center, located near the northern tip of the lake in the town of Shrewsbury. The facility includes an 11,500-square-foot boathouse that can store more than 60 boats and rowing accessories, and an additional 3,600-square-foot building with locker rooms and kitchen space. 

The facility is named in honor of Irving James Donahue Jr., a competitive rower at Shrewsbury High School and WPI in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Donahue and his wife, Barbara, donated approximately 20% of the funds for the creation of the rowing center, which opened in 1993. 

“It’s a very nice facility that houses a variety of collegiate and high school crews from the area,” Sturges says. “It’s also used by the public. A lot of people will row early in the morning, take a shower there and then head to work.” 

For those who are just getting their feet wet in the sport, the Quinsigamond Rowing Club holds an annual Learn to Row Day at the Donahue Rowing Center. 

Participants learn basic rowing terminology, spend time practicing on a rowing machine, then join experienced club members on the water. 

“When I started with the club over 30 years ago, there were only about a dozen of us,” Sturges says. “Things have really grown since then. We’re especially seeing a big rise in women rowers.” 

Sculling at School 

Rowing’s appeal to people in the Worcester region can begin at a young age, which is why there are so many competitive opportunities for high school students. Worcester Public Schools, for example, has spring and fall rowing schedules for both boys and girls, and officials are considering creating teams for middle-school students as well. 

“We have an unbelievable resource in Lake Quinsigamond that we want to take full advantage of for our students,” says David Shea, athletic director for Worcester Public Schools. “This has always been known as a great place for rowing.” 

And once a person starts, Sturges says, it is an activity that can be enjoyed for decades to come. 

“It’s not difficult to master the basics,” Sturges says. “You can learn how to row and have fun on the lake within a few weeks, then spend a lifetime mastering it and getting better and fitter and more competitive – if that’s what you want to do. Plus, unlike a lot of sports, rowing isn’t tough on the knees, so you can do it for a long time. It’s just a wonderful way to get fit. You have all the sights and sounds of being out on the water, while also getting great exercise.”