WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

Rowing Victoria welcomes the Victorian rowing community to 2026 - we hope you are feeling refreshed and ready to jump back into an exciting regatta calendar.

We start the year in familiar fashion with a trip to Lake Moodemere for the MRA Rutherglen Regatta. With forecast high temperatures and fire danger ratings, we encourage all participants to plan their trip accordingly and take care when travelling.

With clubs and schools putting in the work at their rowing camps around the state, we can't wait to see what they can produce in the year ahead.

Read more below.

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

ALBERT PARK LAKE - ALL ABILITIES DAY

The collaboration between sail, paddle, and rowing provided an opportunity for an All Abilities Day to take place on Albert Park Lake on Friday 12th December. A beautiful sunny day with a light breeze that was perfect for sailing and as it dropped during the day, made the water inviting for rowing.

Participants were able to try all three water sports and experience the joy of being out on the lake. For most people it was their first time in at least one of the activities. The positive enjoyment and enthusiasm by all people; participants, carers, accompanying friends and coaches ensured the day was a highlight of the week.

We look forward to further collaborative events and encourage you to bring these opportunities to people you know.

Rowing Victoria would like to acknowledge the work done by paddling and sailing to ensure this event was successful along with our two coaches; Meg Cartwright and Alister Taylor.

2026 STATE TEAM NOMINATIONS - LAST CHANCE

A friendly reminder that nominations for the 2026 Victorian Senior, Para, & Youth State Teams, set to compete at the Interstate Regatta on Lake Barrington, are closing soon!

Nominations close 5pm Monday 12th January 2026.

Please review the full Selection Requirements before nominating.

Please direct any questions regarding selection to Delwyn Oliver on delwyn@rowingvictoria.asn.au.

AUSTRALIAN ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2026 Australian Rowing Championships are to be held from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 March 2026 at Lake Barrington, Tasmania.

Entries are now open and will close Monday 9th March 2026.

Competitors can begin their preparations with the first bulletin and indicative race schedule now available on the regatta page, including the addition of new Under 17 events.

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.