An Important message from UNC Men’s Rowing

On July 5th, tropical Storm Chantal struck Chapel Hill. In one hour, University Lake surged four and a half feet over the shore, almost swept the shell dock over our dam, and destroyed (almost) the entire fleet of coaching Launches. Now, our team faces the daunting task of removing, repairing, rebuilding, and replacing damaged property before the start of the 2025-2026 season.

UNC Men’s Rowing is a highly competitive club team that trains and races all over the united States. As a club team, we don’t receive the same funding and support as other varsity programs. our athletes shoulder significant costs not only to train and compete, but also for their own equipment and uniforms. In a normal year, our rowers tackle that challenge with relentless hard work and a never-quit attitude. But this year, with catastrophic storm damage to our dock and launches, our situation is more uncertain than ever.

docks and launches aren’t luxury items for rowing teams; They’re essential. The shell dock is the only way we can get our 8’s out onto the water, and Our launches allow our coaches to follow us for technical instruction and to ensure safety. Without these tools, we simply cannot operate.  

As you can see in the pictures, 85% of our dock was left unsalvageable, 4 launches were completely totaled… and that’s just the beginning. For the last two weeks, we’ve had team members and coaches working tirelessly down at the boathouse salvaging what we can and breaking down what we can’t. Dumpsters and removal costs are mounting, but the installation process will cost even more. As a club team, our resources are already stretched thin, and we simply do not have the funds to cover unexpected costs like this. replacing and repairing what we lost will cost $35,500. 

With our season set to begin at 6am, August 18th, we’re facing an urgent timeline to rebuild. If we want to row this fall, we’re going to need a great deal of help. Every dollar raised here will go towards replacing our dock and launches and making sure that our equipment and facilities are safer in future storms. 

The way we see it, we’re in the last 500 meters of a race, and we’re down a length. We can absolutely pull through but only if we have everyone on board. It might not be easy, but we’re confident that we can close the margin. If you can, please donate today. If you’re unable to give, you can still help enormously by sharing this campaign with others who believe in supporting young athletes and the Carolina spirit.

Please help UNC Men’s Rowing keep striving for Teamwork, commitment, and excellence on the water. Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,

Jacques De Ramel
25-26 Team President