The afternoon included cocktails and conversation, a wonderful buffet dinner and desserts, beautiful live flute music by CMI coxswain Coleton Vlasak, and a silent auction filled with experiences, artwork, gifts, and other items generously donated by local businesses, artists, members, and friends.

We were especially delighted to welcome Anne Zetteck-Sumner as our guest speaker. A medical professional and world-traveled coxswain, Anne shared stories and experiences that inspired us to embrace opportunities, ask for opportunities and have the courage to say “yes” to ourselves and to others. We were particularly touched by her kind words about CMI and the uniquely welcoming environment we've created together—not just as an organization, but through the warmth, encouragement, and genuine connections of the individuals who make up our community. Her reflections were a wonderful reminder of what makes CMI so special, both on and off the water.

As we celebrate another remarkable year at Cohasset Maritime Institute, Frank Townsend shared ten things he's especially grateful for:

• For All of You, Our Incredible Community – The generosity of our members, volunteers, donors, and supporters who give their time, talent, and treasure. We couldn't do it without you!

• There's No Place Like CMI – Our unique spirit, welcoming atmosphere, and sense of community set us apart from rowing clubs and boathouses near and far.

• Our One-of-a-Kind Fleet – Our uniquely designed boats are safe, beginner-friendly, and, most importantly, incredibly fun to row!

• A Record-Breaking Season – Our busiest summer yet, with 184 summer rowers and 30 Learn To Row, over 80 fall rowers and 9 Learn To Row, and more than 300 individuals getting out on the water through our programs and special activities.

• Nearly 1,000 Boat Launches! – With 950 officially recorded rows (and likely a few more!), CMI may have become Cohasset's own Helen of Troy—the face that launched a thousand ships!

• Keeping Our Fleet Shipshape – Thanks to dedicated funding, careful maintenance planning, and countless hours of work, our heavily used boats and equipment remain in excellent condition.

• Caring for Our Boathouse – With approximately 5,000 visits through our doors this year, we're grateful for our Board's commitment to maintaining the boathouse and working with the Town toward securing our permanent home.

• A Strong Financial Foundation – Maintaining a balanced budget while increasing summer staff compensation, keeping program fees reasonable, and thoughtfully building our reserve fund.

• Making a Meaningful Difference – From fitness, fun, and competition to environmental stewardship, accessibility, and lasting friendships, CMI connects people to the water, to nature, and to one another. What we do matters!

• Our Special Guest, Anne Zettek-Sumner – Gratitude to Anne, an accomplished medical professional and internationally experienced coxswain, for traveling from Worcester to share her experiences and reflections with our community.

These accomplishments are possible because of the incredible generosity of our members, volunteers, donors, staff, and supporters who give their time, talent, and resources to CMI.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to:

Anne Zetteck-Sumner — our wonderful guest speaker, for her inspiring reflections on embracing opportunities and saying “yes” to ourselves and others, and for her kind about the community we've built together at CMI.

Alec and Coleton Vlasak — our young adult event helpers, with special thanks to Coleton for his live musical performance

The 2nd Annual Harborside Bash Committee — for their planning, creativity, and dedication

Our Silent Auction Donors, Bidders , and Winners— including generous local businesses, artists, members, and friends

All Event attendees, financial donors, and volunteers — for making the celebration and fundraiser possible

Laura Kennedy, Abi Kornet, Frank Townsend, and the CMI Board of Directors — for their leadership, hard work, and commitment to CMI

The Cohasset Sailing Club — for providing such a welcoming setting for our celebration