It's been 20 years since Charlotte Hollings and John Dunn opened their now thriving sculling camp in Lancaster, VA. Says Charlotte, "When we started, there were so many opportunities for kids to get coaching but few places adults could go to get instruction in an environment that was comfortable and conducive to learning. "We spent two years looking for the right spot, and we loved what we found - a beautiful, fresh-water, protected lake and a historic plantation home just two miles up the road with plenty of room for our future guests."
But now, after 20 years and much deliberation, Charlotte and John have decided to make some big changes.
"After the 2020 season," says Charlotte, "we will continue to coach - we love that part - but we will no longer host rowers at our Levelfields Inn.
"Cooking and cleaning and caring for a 7-bedroom/7-bath, 6000-square-foot house has gotten old. Our fabulous chefs, Jill and Larry, don't plan to work forever either (they're supposedly retired!) and we have no desire to run the kitchen without them.
"We plan to do more traveling to coach at different clubs, and we may well continue to coach on our Camps Mill Pond. Guests can stay locally in any of the hotels, inns, B&Bs and even VRBOs and Airbnbs that weren't available when we first set up business."
Charlotte and John stress that this isn't goodbye. In 2021, they will simply refocus their energies to include more coaching and rowing, but less hosting.
Rowers of all skill levels still have the 2020 season to enjoy the full Calm Waters experience.
Calm Waters Rowing opens its 20th-anniversary season on March 22. Learn more then contact Calm Waters to book your ideal three- or four-day sculling experience now.
"So many have helped us make Calm Waters Rowing successful for 20 years," says Charlotte. "We invite you all to join us as we celebrate our big anniversary!"