GREENWICH, CT — Third-generation Greenwich resident Christina Rota has long loved being on the water. Now, through social media and potentially a new local club, she hopes other women can gain confidence at the helm and connect with fellow boaters.
Rota, 31, purchased a 13-foot Boston Whaler two years ago through a family acquaintance. Her father, Anthony Rota, owned Rota Brothers Marine Inc. on Hamilton Avenue for years and previously served as the dockmaster for Grass Island Marina.
After fixing up the boat and learning the ins and outs of boating from her family, Rota has spent the past two summers exploring the waters off Greenwich.
This past summer, she started posting boating content on Instagram more frequently as she ventured off on her own, and her videos have connected with boaters far and wide, especially women.
Rota's content has covered storm checks, driving and fishing videos, and boat tours. She has also posted videos asking viewers to help name the Whaler, though she has yet to settle on one.
"A lot of women support it because it's obviously such a male-dominated hobby. They've just reached out to me," Rota told Patch, noting she was planning on meeting with someone she met through posting her videos who is interested in learning more about getting into the boating world.
One video showing Rota setting out on her boat has garnered over 130,000 views. She said people have even recognized her around town and on the water.
"It's brought me such joy to showcase my hobby and a passion of mine to a community. It really has resonated, which is awesome," Rota said. "I'm so thankful for all the support I've received from it. It's amazing."
The interest has sparked the idea for a local women's boating club.
"I feel like there are so many yacht clubs and country clubs in town, but I want something that's more accessible and not necessarily something you have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars to be involved with," Rota said.
"It could be something where every week there's a meetup somewhere on the Greenwich waters, or I can see myself planning an event where we go to a restaurant and hang out, or a local walk in Bruce Park, just basically to bring the community together."
Rota, a Greenwich High School graduate with professional experience in advertising and marketing, has shared lifestyle and fitness content on social media. She plans to keep posting about her life out on the water, too.
"You feel so free," she said of being on her boat. "You're really one with nature and the ocean. It's just an unmatched feeling. Being on the boat, zipping around, the speed behind it... It's just the ultimate summertime activity. It's honestly my favorite place to be."
Rota said she hopes to announce plans for any potential boating club before the 2027 boating season @cmrota on Instagram.
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