QRC Regatta Recap 2026

June 20, 2026

Springfield Sprints Regatta 
Results, highlights and team news 

A small but enthusiastic contingent of QRC rowers traveled west on Saturday, June 20, 2026, to compete in the Springfield Sprints, the club’s first regatta of the season. The relaxed, community-focused event was held on a 1,000-meter stretch of the Connecticut River, with crews racing upstream to the finish line at the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club (PVRC). Up to five boats competed in each heat.

Approaching race day, it was clear that wind would be a factor. With each event, the wind seemed to pick up, to a point when, in late morning, the women’s doubles races were suspended. The current was also stronger than usual due to the rainfall a few days earlier. Few boats finished the race in under six minutes.

The QRC women’s 8+ with Sabine St. Pierre, Patti Orlando Tillotson, Ann Sullivan, Sandy Dupcak, Sandy Flynn, Mary Conley, Jen Wallingford, Megan Hyland, and cox Anne Zettek-Sumner won gold over four other crews, two seconds ahead of the next boat.

Rowing a mixed double but in the men’s double race, Megan Hyland and Heri Sontgerath placed second competing against three other boats.

Heri Sontgerath placed third in a men’s 1x singles heat of four boats, five seconds behind first place. Interestingly, his competitors were also born in Germany.

Greg Woods, racing for Worcester Boat Club where he is also a member, won first place of five boats in his heat.

The women’s 2x race with Sabine St. Pierre and Sandy Flynn was canceled, unfortunately.

Overall, the regatta was a successful start for the QRC to the new season.