OARS is excited to announce 2023 Project Tailwind, made possible through the generous donation of crew alumnus Steve Flagg (‘88) who has gifted OARS $1 million dollars to help ensure that the URI Crew team has a beautiful, functional, state-of-the-art boathouse in perpetuity. This has been the goal of the program since it first began in the 1960s!
Steve’s seven-figure donation has finally put the wind at our back, but we need to your help to cross the finish line. We, along with Steve, are asking alumni, parents, family and friends to build on his generosity by giving to 2023 Project Tailwind.
Your support of the 2023 Project Tailwind capital campaign will provide OARS the capacity to undertake Phase III of our historic, and much-needed renovation of the boathouse on the Narrow River out of which the URI Crew Club rows. Your donation will propel RI student-athletes to higher levels on the national collegiate rowing scene.
Phase I - Exterior. This phase of the project addressed the dilapidated, leaky exterior of the boathouse and included installation of new cedar shingle siding with weathering stain, Azek trim, proper drip edge, and gutters. COMPLETE.
Phase II - Boat and Work Bays. This phase addressed the ailing boat and work bays and included six glass bay doors, removal of the back wall of the work bay and the installation of a bay door, new boat racks, dehumidification, LED lighting, cement floor polishing, painting, stairwell and foyer re-finishing and flooring, and updated security systems. COMPLETE.
Phase III - Second Floor and ADA-Compliant Restroom. Critical boathouse improvements are needed on the second floor, including bathroom upgrades and renovations; demolition and reconstruction of the weight room and installation of new flooring; as well as the creation of improved meeting spaces. Another crucial upgrade includes the installation of an ADA-compliant bathroom on the first floor, and landscape improvements.
Operational Reserve Fund. Phases I and II have been funded, incredibly, by Steve’s generosity. His commitment also provides initial seeding for the establishment of a reserve fund to help ensure that the boathouse is self-sustaining well into the future. But we still need your help to make this vision a reality. Donations to secure the future of the boathouse, secure the future of club rowing at URI.
