WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

With a weekend off in Victoria, some crews ventured to Canberra for the inaugural Golden Oar, while others pushed their limits competing in the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships.

This weekend, attention turns to Dimboola for two days of exciting racing on the Wimmera River, across 750m and 6.2km.

Read more below.

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

VICS FEATURE AT GOLDEN OAR DEBUT

It was a thrilling weekend on Lake Burley Griffin, as Canberra delivered the debut of a new rowing festival. The Golden Oar featured world-class racing, live entertainment and community celebration across two exciting days.

With more than $100,000 on offer, the event delivered the largest prize pool of any regatta in the world. Around 300 athletes competed in more than 70 crews, including numerous Victorians featuring across the Open, Masters, and Para events.

In the Mixed Open Quad Scull, the Mercantile crew of Emmie Frederico, Paige Barr, Austin Reinehr, and Dom Frederico claimed third in a nail-biting finish, with just 1.5 seconds separating the top three crews. They were edged out by two composite boats featuring several fellow Rowsellas, while a number of MUBC athletes also featured in the B and C Finals.

In the Masters category, the Yarra Yarra crew of Nick Inglis, Lisa Bates, Justin Negri, and Sarah Sekfy finished second, narrowly missing victory by 0.51 seconds. An APSM/Essendon combination also featured in the A Final.

In a world first, the event offered $10,000 in prize money for the PR3 Mixed Double Scull — taken out by Susannah Lutze (Mercantile) and Flynn Wilkinson (Sydney).

Image: Rowing Australia / Golden Oar

AUSTRALIAN INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Australian Indoor Rowing Championships wrapped up last Sunday following an exciting week of indoor rowing across the nation.

It was fantastic to see members from 11 Victorian clubs and schools jump on the erg this year and produce some very impressive results.

Congratulations to Hawthorn RC (6th) and Wentworth RC (10th) on their top 10 finishes in overall points and total distance. 9 Wentworth members rowed a total of 25,000km, whilst 5 Hawthorn members combined for more than 41,000km!

A number of Victorians also secured podium finishes in their respective age category events — well done to all on their efforts!

Image: Wentworth RC

VALE DON MCNEILL

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of Don McNeill, a treasured and much respected former member of Essendon Rowing Club.

Don joined Essendon Rowing Club in 2013 and while at ERC, he served as a coach, committee member, and President of ERC. His leadership, energy, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Don was a passionate rower and coach, with an extraordinary record of success. He saw lots of success of the water, including at the World Masters Games, and Australian Masters Championships. As a coach, he guided many women’s crews to victory, always with respect, dedication and care.

Don’s passing is heartbreaking news, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who rowed alongside him.

STATE TEAM SELECTORS - NOMINATIONS OPEN

Rowing Victoria is calling for nominations for selectors to assist in the selection of 2026 Victorian Pathway (U18), OTRC (U22), & Masters State Teams. Selection activities for the teams occur at various times between January and March.

Do you have experience and are you up for the challenge of being a Selector for one, two, or all of these teams? Rowing Victoria would love to hear from you!

Nominations close 5pm today.

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.