The first one — named in memory of the late Warren Whitford — was initially purchased by the CLRA from Boston University and was called simply the “black boat” or the Vespoli, which is a manufacturer of racing shells for rowing.

But then the CLRA decided it needed to assign a special name to it.

That name belonged to Whitford.

“He was a former rower, a great human being and a friend,” said Jim Odrzywolski, the high school program coordinator and coach. “He passed away when he was 72. He only discovered rowing when he was 70, and he loved it. … He brought so much to our club and we do miss him.”

Joe Gerace, one of the founders of the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association, gives a thumbs-up after the dedication of the Margaret Kincaid boat last Thursday at the CLRA season-ending picnic. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

One of Whitford’s favorite things to do, Odrzywolski said, was to go out on the water and row.

“His favorite boats were the big 8s,” he said. “He loved them. They’re stable and fast. … In light of that and in honor of Warren, we’d like to dedicate this boat in his memory.”

Jackie Thies, Whitford’s companion, performed the honor of christening the boat.

The second boat was named for Margaret Kincaid, better known locally as Margaret Look, who has been a longtime rowing supporter.

“She began rowing at Cornell University quite a while ago and she continues to be a supporter of rowing,” said Kevin Sixbey, a CLRA founder.

“When we started the club, she wrote an article in (The Post-Journal), Sixbey continued. “She started making sure we were known in the community.”

A couple of years ago, the CLRA started talking about the need for a new boat. A fundraising campaign was begun and the necessary funds were raised. Soon after, it was decided that naming the boat the Margaret Kincaid was appropriate.

The honor of christening the boat was bestowed on Joseph Gerace, a CLRA founder.

Once that was completed, Odrzywolski gave a toast.

“To the success of the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association,” he said, “and the ability of our organization to be able to acquire equipment such as this to really move us into the next 20 years of success.”