RRC hired Cathy Coffman as head coach for the summer 1997 season and additionally hired new coaches for both the LTR and fitness rowing programs, along with a club manager. Gathering equipment for that first season was a significant challenge. Boats and oars were eventually rented from the William and Mary College program, a practice that has continued through the past four years. Each year, the club has added to its equipment base. Over the years, the RRC program has included rowers of all ages, levels of skill, commitment, and fitness.
Most competitive rowers participate in regattas throughout the summer and fall.
In 1999, RRC won both the Stonewall Regatta and the Diamond State Masters cup. Later that season, a small delegation of RRC members spent a long hot week at the USRowing Masters Nationals in Lake Lanier, Georgia and returned with five gold medals and two silver medals-a fifth place team win overall. Their 1999 time garnered a repeat invitation to the 2000 HOC along with several scullers.