They were not trying out for a crew team but taking part in a free, twice-weekly community rowing program hosted by the nonprofit Village Community Boathouse, located in Hudson River Park.
VCB board member Phil Yee served as the coxswain at the head of the boat, instructing the rowers to ease up or go harder. After more than half an hour of trying, the group — including a grandmother of three, a visiting Parisian dad with his 12-year-old daughter and two 20-somethings — established a rhythm, rowing in near synchronization.
Yee fell silent and smiled…