Maritime Rowing Club – Norwalk, CT, is dedicated to competitive and recreational rowing for all ages and abilities. We’re based on the scenic Norwalk River, rowing both sweep and sculling shells. Maritime Rowing Club is a team-oriented rowing club where all members work together to provide an enjoyable rowing experience for all. Since 1996, Maritime Rowing Club has offered rowing classes for all ages and skill levels, from Middle School Learn-to-Row to Masters competitive racing.
In addition to our junior and adult competitive rowing programs, Maritime offers learn-to-row classes, winter training, and summer camps for juniors. Maritime Rowing Club is home to the MRC competitive team, New Canaan Crew, the MRC High School and Middle School Crew.
Our masters rowing program includes sweep and sculling opportunities, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to compete at local, regional and national regattas. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to learn and have fun!
Meet Our Coaches
Yan Vengerovskiy
Head Coach & Director of Programs
Yan Vengerovskiy is a former member of the Ukrainian National Rowing Team, and a graduate from the top sports institute there. From 1973-1991, he coached the Soviet Union Junior Women’s National Team. In 1991, Yan and his family immigrated to the United States. He has coached at the Norwalk River Rowing Club, Fairfield University, and the Saugatuck Rowing Association. In 1996, Yan and his wife Olga founded the Water Sports Center and the Maritime Rowing Club, both of Norwalk, CT. Yan coaches all levels at the boathouse and is most recognized for his work with the high competitive teams and their numerous achievements on the junior national level. In December 2011, US Rowing recognized Yan and Olga with the John J. Carlin Service award. Chosen by the USRowing Board of Directors, the award honors an individual, or individuals, who has made significant and outstanding commitments in support of rowing.
Olga Vengerovskiy
Head Coach, Middle School; Coach Masters and High School
Olga Vengerovskiy is a former Open World Champion and Russian National Champion. She has extensive experience as a rowing coach. From 1980-1991, she coached at the Specialized School of Olympic Reserves in the Ukraine. After coming to the United States, Olga coached at the Saugatuck Rowing Association, and, together with Yan, founded the Water Sports Center in Norwalk. In December 2011, US Rowing recognized Olga and Yan with the John J. Carlin Service award. Chosen by the USRowing Board of Directors, the award honors an individual, or individuals, who has made significant and outstanding commitments in support of rowing.
Volodymyr Opalnyk
Coach, High School and Masters
Volodymyr Opalnyk is a very well-known coach of the elite rowers around the world. As a rower, Vlod was national champion of Ukraine and silver medalist in former USSR. He bagan his coaching career in 1977 with the junior and senior teams of USSR. From 1987-1992, he was head coach of USSR National Team in Ukraine. After Ukraine became indenpendent in 1992, Vlod was the obvious choice to lead the national team. From 1992 to 2006 he was National Head Coach of Ukraine. In 2007, Vlod was invited to develop the national rowing team in Egypt. Head coach of Egypt National Rowing Team Just some of his achievements include:
- Eight Olympic medals
- 50 World Champions and World Championship medalists.
- 2008-09 silver medals at U23 World Rowing Championship.
It is our pleasure and honor to have him working with us here at MRC!
Hank Ellett
Coach, High School
Hank Ellett began rowing in 2000, and completed Yan’s Learn to Row Program. A certified CIAC coach as well as a certified US Rowing coach, Hank is active in Masters Rowing and is a founding member of the Maritime Rowing Club, and was formerly President of NCHS Crew.
Gina Ray
Assistant Coach, Middle School
Gina Ray has been coaching for the Middle School MRC program since 2005. She began rowing nearly a decade ago, starting with the Learn-to-Row program at Maritime in 2001. As a masters rower she has competed in Masters Nationals and Masters Worlds, in double and quadruple sculls and in an eight. She has also competed in a single scull at the Head of the Housatonic and Head of the Schuylkill. A parent of a former New Canaan Crew rower, Gina lives in Ridgefield, CT.