Members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club discuss the capsizing incident in Westport

Members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club spoke exclusively to News 12 about their rescue from Long Island Sound in March.

The team said they had gone out for training, but within minutes the water conditions changed and 27 rowers, a coach and several rowing boats sank.

They remember the experience as “terrifying” and “frightening.”

“It was a little scary… being out on the Sound,” said Daniel Lee of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Lee was one of two students hospitalized with hyperthermia.

“I had to wait on the sinking boat for a while,” Lee said.

Although it was a nightmare for many rowers, none of them gave up the sport.

“I mean, I was ready the next day, it didn’t really affect me that much,” Lee said.

“I wanted to keep rowing. I love rowing,” said Will Shockley of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

“It was a natural fit. All the guys here really want to do this, so we had no doubts about getting back in the boat,” said Davis Evans of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Moses Lewis and Campbell Cohen said the team supported and encouraged each other throughout.

“Teamwork makes the dream come true,” said Aidan Montenegro of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

The team pushed each other hard off the water too, so much so that they finished seventh at the Nationals. Now they have the chance of a lifetime to compete in the Royal Henley race in England.

It is the first time that the club can take part in the most prestigious regatta in the world.

However, they cannot do it alone. They rely on donations to make their journey across the pond easier.

“We’re looking for $40,000. So far we’ve raised $15,000 … about 15 to 20 percent (of members) get a scholarship here. It’s an expensive sport,” said Dave Grossman, boys’ head coach and director of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Their departure is scheduled for June 23, where they will compete against some of the best rowers in the world.