Members of the Varsity 8 lineup prepare for race time. Valerie Hunter (front left) and Kelly Barton carry bow 39, a 200-pound boat, with help from Michelle Lauer (back left) and Sylvia Sarnik. Navigating the shell across the busy dock isn’t easy but directives like, “Ready up in the bow, swing to Boston,” get the job done. (Photo: Sam Hunter Magee/Arts at MIT)