“All the IM reps were outraged,” Diaz said. “Every year we get tons of people who participate in IM crew for the first time and they tell us that it’s one of their most memorable and enjoyable experiences at Harvard.”
Arcy said that the outpouring of student support for B-boats on Dudley’s poll attracted the attention of the authorities.
“They agreed to reinstate B-boats because of the student response,” he said.
Additionally, students were eager to show their enthusiasm for keeping B-boats afloat.
“The B-boats are the only chance to do sweep rowing for those who have never rowed before and are looking for camaraderie and exercise without the pressure and serious training involved in A-boats,” said Paul F. Gilligan ‘05, captain of last year’s champion Eliot House A-crew and an Eliot House IM secretary. For that reason, he stressed that, despite the safety concerns, the Houses should work to maintain both amateur and more experienced crews.