Brown recounts the events leading to the 1935 Pacific Coast Regatta. The chapter opens with Joe and Joyce enjoying a day on the water, providing a brief respite from their daily struggles.

Brown then narrates Joe’s attempt to reconnect with his estranged father, Harry. Joe visited Harry at his workplace, and while their interaction was awkward, it hinted at the possibility of future reconciliation. However, Harry’s reluctance to allow Joe to visit his half-siblings revealed the lingering tensions in their relationship.

The focus shifts to the Washington crew’s preparation for the regatta against California. Coach Ulbrickson grappled with selecting the varsity lineup, ultimately choosing the sophomore crew, including Joe. Brown then describes the industrial setting of the Oakland regatta and the large crowd in attendance.

The varsity race forms the chapter’s climax, with Brown detailing the intense competition between Washington and California. In a thrilling finish, Washington clinched victory by a mere six feet.

Brown concludes the chapter by depicting the celebratory parade in Seattle upon the team’s return. He highlights Joe’s emotional response to the event, emphasizing his profound sense of pride and accomplishment.