WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

We're coming off a big weekend of school racing, as crews faced varying conditions in Carrum and Geelong. Thank you to our amazing volunteers and our regatta hosts, St Kevin's and Sacred Heart.

This week our clubs are back in action, as we head to Hamilton for the newly named South West Regional Regatta, with racing over 750 and 1000m.

Plus lots more happening in the rowing community!

Read more below.

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

776BC VICTORIA SUPPORTER RANGE

Cheer on the Big White V in style this season with the 776BC Victoria Supporter Range!

Available items include polos, hoodies, vests, and hats. Get yours now!

Shop open for a limited time, until Monday 8 December. 

PORT AUTHORITY SESSION

Last Friday, the Deputy Harbour Master for the Port Authority hosted a session for clubs and coaches about rowing in the Port of Melbourne.

The tug boat operators, Svitzer, gave insight into the power and performance of the tug boats, Parks Victoria outlined their overlay of the waterways, and the Water Police reminded us, with some graphic vision, of the kind of ‘interactions’ we are all wanting to avoid.

Over 20 coaches attended and were treated to an engaging and informative couple of hours. You can view the slides from the presentation via the link below.

Some key takeaways from the presentation include:

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Port Authority Deputy Harbour Master. They are ready to assist and find ways to make boating (of all sizes) safe.

Rowing coaches are shown the view from the tower

GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Rowing Victoria is pleased to announce a new partnership with Grant Professionals, providing valuable support to our member clubs and schools.

Through this partnership, all RV-affiliated organisations are now eligible for complimentary membership with Grant Professionals, giving them access to expert guidance, grant-writing resources, and a range of tools designed to help strengthen funding applications.

If you are interested, please contact:
Jacob Miller
Account Executive
P: 0492 927 134
E: jacob@arwk.com.au

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.

AUSTRALIAN HENLEY

Mark Saturday 21 February in your calendar now! Fast and furious racing, stunning trophies and the famous Henley pots to be won. With several crews away at selection regattas interstate for 2026, this could be the year to enter and win.

HOSPITALITY

The famous Henley Marquee will be offering a seated luncheon opportunity - an unrivalled chance to watch spirited racing on our very own Yarra River all from the comfort and shade of a marquee, with food and drink provided. What's not to like?

This event is open to all, and you are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

ALBERT PARK LAKE - ALL ABILITIES DAY

FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER | 11:00AM-2:00PM

📍 The Boatshed, 3 Aquatic Dr, Albert Park

This all abilities event invites people of all ages and experience levels to try rowing, sailing, or paddling in a safe and supportive environment.

WHAT IS PROVIDED
 ✅ Boats and equipment suitable for all abilities
 ✅ Safety gear and experienced support staff
 ✅ Opportunities to connect with local clubs and programs

Registration will cost $30, with the event registrations now open.

AMRC ENTRIES OPEN

Champion Lakes Regatta Centre WA, 27 - 30 May 2026

Entries are now open for the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships!

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a spectator looking for some seaside excitement, this championship promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your oars as you compete against the best in the country.

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.