This is what winter rowing in Maine looks like

This is what winter rowing in Maine looks like

I head down to the dock, walk the ramp and step onto the floats. Snow falls steadily, covering the harbor in a white blanket. My feet crunch as I make my way to Sorciere, a traditional wooden Swampscott dory, the only boat at this marina this time of year. It’s January 1, the first row of 2026. I bring a broom to clear snow off the canvas cover, which acts like a giant windshield wiper. At 18 degrees the light, fluffy snow takes only a few minut…