WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

We had an exciting weekend of racing in Victoria, with the Head of the Schoolgirls' and Scotch Mercantile Regatta! A special shoutout to our amazing umpires & volunteers for all their hard work across both regattas, as always, your efforts are very much appreciated.

This weekend, the APS schools battle it out at the Heads of the River, whilst our Grade and Masters rowers return to the Maribyrnong River for the Footscray Saltwater Regatta!

40 clubs and schools also prepare to head down to Tassie for the Australian Rowing Championships, with racing starting on Monday.

Read more below.

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

HEAD OF THE SCHOOLGIRLS'

It was special weekend for many, as we saw three days of excitement and enthusiasm at the Head of the Schoolgirls' Regatta on the Barwon River.

Well done to all involved in the regatta, including athletes, coaches, umpires, volunteers, supporters, and more - you all played your part in creating the electric atmosphere of the HOSG!

Congratulations to event winners across all levels and divisions, with Open Division 1 winners shown below.

For some girls this means the end of their school rowing journey however we hope to see them transition into a club near them soon!

2025 ROW FOR PRIDE 🏳️‍🌈

Fantastic to see so much support for the 2025 Row for Pride on Saturday!

Members took to the Yarra River in their bright colours for a fun morning row to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion within our rowing community.

“Rowing is stronger when everyone has a seat in the boat.”

Well done to the following clubs and their members for their efforts in making this event a success: Banks RC, Footscray City RC, Hawthorn RC, Melbourne Argonauts RC, Melbourne RC, Richmond RC, Yarra Yarra RC

AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Australian Rowing Championships begin next Monday, with 40 Victorian clubs and schools making the trip down to Lake Barrington, Tasmania.

We look forward to tracking their results and are very excited to see our Victorian State Team compete later in the week.

For those looking to do their research, Junior Rowing News have previewed a number of events here.

A live stream is available for all 7 days of racing action via the link below.

JOB BOARD

Please be advised that multipe positions have been listed on the RV Job Board, including roles at Melbourne RC, Richmond RC, St. Kevin's, Lauriston.

SPORTING CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria, to help address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

Grant funding will be made available through four categories:

Category 1: On-field Uniforms or Equipment
Category 2: Volunteers and Officials
Category 3: Access and Engagement
Category 4: Competitors

Check your eligibility and read more about the grants via the link below.

Applications close 27 March 2025.

REMINDER: BOW & STERN LIGHTS

It is important that ALL rowers on ALL waterways (and coaches on bikes and powerboats) between sunset and sunrise have adequate lighting for your safety and the safety of others. 

Rowing boats, in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise, are required by LAW to exhibit;

• Two all-round white lights - one attached to the boat at or near the forward or bow end, and one attached to the boat at or near the stern end.
• Bow light - A continuous white light is considered acceptable if it is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.
• Stern light - A flashing white light is considered acceptable if it flashes at least once per second and is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.

Not withstanding the above, it is considered acceptable for a light to be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the vessel’s occupants, provided at least one light is visible from any direction (see diagram below).

BIKE LIGHTS

In addition to safely lighting our boats, it is important that coaches are also meeting requirements off the water. By law, your bike must be fitted with a rear red reflector, a bell, and at least one working brake.

When riding at night and in low-light, you must use a front white light and a rear red light. The light can be flashing or steady but must be seen from 200 metres away. It is also a good idea to use flashing lights during the day to help other road users see you.

SAFETY REMINDER

Rowing Victoria would like to remind all members the importance of using our equipment and waterways safely and appropriately.

Please follow traffic rules, including correctly using designated turning zones. Rules and maps for all waterways can be found on our Venues webpage. By following these rules, our waterways are safer for all. 

We have also been made aware of a number of incidents where rowing coaches have been sighted either riding without helmets, using megaphones at incorrect hours, or using mobile phones while riding (both in conversation or filming their crews).

For your own safety, to avoid fines, and to respect other members of the community, we ask that you please ensure you are obeying the law and not partaking in the behaviours above.

WATERWAY ACCESS & INCIDENT REPORTING

Could all waterway users please ensure they are acquainted with their local waterway rules; traffic direction, turning points, stationary obstacles etc.

So that RV, Maritime Safety Victoria and now, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority can support the community in providing safe waterways, please register all incidents via the RV Report an Incident tile on the home page of the RV website.

A consistent management of reporting will assist us in ensuring we are kept safe on the water and the chances of equipment damage is mitigated.