Dempsey Challenge
& Social Row
Welcome to Bowdoinham Rowing’s Dempsey Challenge & Social Row
Saturday, September 20, 2025
On this page you will find general information about what to expect on the day and a link to the registration form.
This year’s social row is combined with our team’s fundraising for the Dempsey Center. All 2025 Social row registration fees will be donated directly to the Dempsey Center as part of their annual Dempsey Challenge. HERE are some details about the charity you are supporting with your registration.
Our base for the day will be in Bowdoinham at the Mailly Waterfront Park. It is important to please follow our directions for parking (particularly boat trailers): many people will be using the landing for launching boats and for the farmers market that will be open from 8am until 12:30pm (with lots of great vegetables and other locally produced items). We will have signs up and people to help you find parking.
You can expect a fun day on the beautiful Cathance River and Merrymeeting Bay. This is a casual row. Course and length will be determined closer to event, but expect around a 6-7 mile (round trip) casual row lasting 2ish hours. Want to do a shorter row? We will do our best to accommodate you. Bowdoinham Rowing will provide lunch to all registrants when we return to the Bowdoinham waterfront after the row. Please bring your own cup and/or water bottle.
The registration fee for each person is $45.
Schedule for the day
9am Registration (and signing of waivers) at the Bowdoinham public boat launch
9:30 am – 2:00 pm Activities on and off the water, including lunch from about 12:30
Contact: Katharine Wheeler, kadiwh@gmail.com, (207) 751-0464
Questions about the Dempsey Challenge? Contact Kate Cutko, kcutko@gmail.com, (207)504-1418
To Register
We are asking participants to register individually, not by boat or team. While we encourage clubs to bring their own boats, it is not a requirement for participation.
Please fill out the form and then submit payment via the button at the bottom of the page. Your registration payment of $45 will be donated to the Dempsey Center as part of the Dempsey Challenge and is tax-deductible (please email for a tax-deductible letter).
Thank you! We look forward to rowing with you in September in support of a great cause.
For more detailed information about the Dempsey Challenge please visit the Event Page.