WESTPORT RIVER REGATTA
SPINDLE ROCK CLUB
June 7th 2025

Dharma Voyage Hosts First Westport River Invitational Regatta:
A Celebration of Community, Rowing, and Coastal Spirit

On a misty Saturday morning along the scenic shores of the Westport River, the air was filled with anticipation as Dharma Voyage hosted its first-ever Westport River Invitational Regatta. Thirteen traditional rowing boats, each representing a different club from across New England—some traveling from as far away as Belfast, Maine, and others from nearby Rhode Island, New Bedford and Gloucester—came together for a day of spirited racing, community, and celebration.

Despite the early morning fog, the skies soon cleared, and the race launched right on time. Crews battled their way through the winding river course, powered by teamwork, grit, and the rhythm of their oars slicing through calm coastal waters. The river itself proved to be a spectacular host, offering both challenge and beauty as rowers navigated its curves and currents.

Dharma Voyage proudly fielded two boats in the regatta—Voyager and Spirit of Westport—both competing in the Pilot Gig Women’s Division. And they didn’t just compete—they dominated. Voyager raced to a thrilling first-place finish, setting a new course record with an astonishing time of 0:45:41. Spirit of Westport followed with an impressive third-place finish, making Dharma Voyage’s home debut nothing short of spectacular.

These achievements were the result of months of preparation and dedication, and we want to give special thanks to Wendy Henderson, Cyn Jeffrey, and the Dharma Voyage maintenance crew, whose tireless work got Voyager race-ready. Their behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in this historic performance.

After the competition, the celebration continued on shore, where rowers, families, and spectators gathered for a joyful afternoon of food, music, and connection. A hearty lunch was served, and the festive sounds of the Westport River Rats set the perfect tone for relaxing and reminiscing about the day’s race.

The award ceremony was filled with cheers and camaraderie as handcrafted prizes were presented to the winners and participants. Laughter and applause echoed across the waterfront, underscoring the shared joy and sportsmanship that define the Dharma Voyage community.

This successful regatta would not have been possible without our incredible volunteer committees, who brought it all together with exceptional organization and heart. From boat launching logistics to parking, securing sponsors, preparing breakfast and lunch, making custom prizes, designing commemorative hats and T-shirts, registering teams and managing communications - including invitations, designing posters, and creating signage —every detail was handled with care and passion. The entire event was a testament to what’s possible when a community pulls together. 

The Westport River Invitational Regatta has set a high bar for what we hope will become an annual tradition. It honored the legacy of traditional rowing while forging new connections and memories on the water. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who rowed, volunteered, supported, and cheered.

Here’s to the river, the rhythm, and the remarkable people who make it all flow. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year.

Check out the video taken from the drone: 
Westport River Regatta Race | Dharma Voyage | Event Video

Also a playlist of music from the day for your listening enjoyment:
Spotify Playlist

— Thank You to Our Sponsors —

Fleet Admiral
Reed & Nancy Austin ~ BayCoast Bank ~ BayCoast Insurance ~ Jack’s Landscape’n Inc. ~
Long Moving & Storage, LLC ~Sagres Restaurant ~

Admiral
AbbotCare ~ Andy Alasso & LisaBeth Calvo ~ Coastline Smoke Detector Solutions ~ Concordia Company ~ Farm & Coast Market ~
Four Elements Salon & Spa ~ Gibson Sotheby’s — Dartmouth ~ Even Keel Realty ~ Jill & Matt Kelsall ~ Lafrance Hospitality ~
Little Moss Restaurant ~ Milbury and Company ~ Partners Village Store ~ Peckham’s Greenhouse ~ Portas Da Cidade Restaurant ~
Residential Properties, Ltd. ~ Thomas & Johanna Robinson

Captain
Adamsville Wine & Spirits ~ The Back Eddy Restaurant ~ Bradshaw Insurance Agency ~ Country Woolens ~ Davoll’s General Store ~
F.L. Tripp & Sons ~ John Soares Village Garage, Inc. ~ Ronald Knapp ~ Sally Ann Ledbetter ~ Paul Schmid & Christine Shapleigh Schmid ~
StacyCakes Tea Shoppe & Cakery ~ Pine Hill Equipment, Inc. ~ Riccardi’s ~ Romeo’s ~ Tracy’s Day Spa ~ The Westporter ~
Westport Chiropractic ~ Westport River Watershed Alliance

Ensign
BJ’s ~CAMY Healing Garden ~ The Cheese Wheel Village Market ~ Fourtech Computer Services ~ Kristi’s Kraftails
Joe Mullaney ~ Shaw’s ~ Stop & Shop ~ Van Dusen Racing Boats ~ Westport Bait & Tackle