Thirty-one rowing enthusiasts and alumni came to Williams Wharf at 8:30 Saturday morning for the 17th annual Christmas Eve Row and meeting of the Mobjack Rowing Association.

Although it was a bit chilly, conditions were perfect with flat water and beautiful skies. The group gathered in front of the B. Williams & Co. Store, where a round of self introductions ensued. Alumni present included two U.S. Naval Academy graduates, rowers from 1990 to the present and a new generation of rowers’ children.

Coach Tim Ulsaker spoke to the group about the demolition of the old R. E. Armistead oil dock building that rowers called home for the past 20 years and of the coming new William F. and Catharine K. Owens Memorial Boathouse Center. He also reminded the group of its long history and how proud he was to have had coached them.

He pointed out that in the group present, there were four valedictorians/salutatorians, 18 college/scholarship rowers, five elite/national team level rower...