On May 31, 2026, Riverside Boat Club dedicated a new boat in honor of Janice Hayes-Cha, recognizing her exceptional dedication, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the club community.
The dedication ceremony brought together teammates and members of the Riverside community to celebrate Hayes-Cha’s impact both on and off the water.
During the event, teammate Anita Verheul delivered remarks highlighting Hayes-Cha’s energy, commitment, and influence within the club:
If you don’t know Janice Hayes-Cha, imagine a Whirling Dervish inside the Energizer Bunny with a Heart of Gold. If you do know Janice then you know this is true. The other thing that is true about Janice is that she loves rowing and she loves Riverside. She brings all her energy and love to the sport of Rowing and to her support of this club which she cherishes.
I met Janice 10 years ago, shortly after she single handedly willed a masters women sweep program to be a reality at Riverside. Initially she was the driving force to bring in rowers, corral coxswains and persuade coaches to support the fledgling team. Not to mention the goal of world rowing participation. What you see today is a very strong Masters Women Sweep team with over 20 rowers on the roster; 4 new team members joining this Spring alone and a coach back for her second season.
But Janice doesn’t limit herself to sweeps, she took up sculling during Covid and has her own single which she very graciously offers anyone who doesn’t have a boat to row. All this rowing is topped off with her numerous volunteer activities. Some which are evident and others which she just does for no other reason than for the benefit of Riverside.
I’m so lucky to count her as a close friend and rowing partner. Myself and the Women’s Masters team celebrate this boat christening in honor of Janice Hayes-Cha. Thank you Janice for everything you do!!
We are honored to celebrate Janice and hope this dedication serves as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary support she has given to Riverside Boat Club.
