WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

It was an enjoyable weekend in Hamilton for the South West Regional Regatta, as always, a big thank you to our hosts and volunteers for their efforts.

This weekend, we wrap up 2025 with some fun, festive racing as Essendon RC host the Henley on the Maribyrnong! We also look forward to a huge January ahead - now is the time to get your crews ready to launch into 2026.

We wish the entire Victorian rowing community a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the water in the new year.

Please note the RV office will be closed from COB Monday 22 December 2025, reopening on Monday 5 January 2025.

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

VICTORIAN EXCELLENCE RECOGNISED AT ROTY AWARDS

Last Friday, Rowing Australia proudly celebrated a historic milestone, marking 100 years of national leadership of the sport while honouring some of its finest at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Rower of the Year Awards and Centenary Ball. Rowing Victoria extends its warm congratulations to all Victorians recognised on the night.

⭐️ Official of the Year - Tony Lawless

For more than 20 years, Tony has embodied calm leadership, fairness and integrity on the field of play. A mentor, educator and respected umpire, Tony’s professionalism elevates every regatta he touches.

⭐️ Pathways Coach of the Year - Jamie McDonald

From U19 to U23 success, including U23 Bronze and PR3 Gold, Jamie remains a driving force in Australia’s athlete pipeline.

⭐️ Pathways Crew of the Year - Romy Cantwell / U23 W1x

Achieved U23 World Championship Bronze and made an impressive senior debut.

⭐️ Female Crew of the Year - Women’s Eight
Ft. Paige Barr OLY, Katherine Easton, Georgie Gleeson, Hayley Verbunt OLY

World Cup Bronzes and an A-Final at the World Rowing Championships, a young crew building beautifully toward LA 2028.

⭐️ Male Crew of the Year - Men’s Eight
Ft. Marcus Emmett, Harry Manton, Jack Robertson OLY

Henley champions, World Cup Silver medallists and fourth in the world. A statement year.

Victoria was also represented among RA’s highest honours, with Drew Ginn OAM inducted as one of three new Rowing Australia Life Members.

2026 STATE TEAM - NOMINATIONS OPEN

A friendly reminder that nominations are open for the 2026 Victorian Senior, Para, & Youth State Teams, set to compete at the Interstate Regatta on Lake Barrington, in March 2026.

Please review the full Selection Requirements before nominating.

Nominations close on Monday 12th January 2026.

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

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.