WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

Unfortunately, last week saw another regatta impacted by unsafe racing conditions, with Sunday’s racing at the Barwon Regatta cancelled. While we understand this was disappointing news for many, priority must always remain the safety of our community.

This weekend, clubs and schools will compete across two days at the JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta, while Year 9 and 10 schoolgirls continue to familiarise themselves with the Barwon River at the Morongo Regatta.

Please note that the Rowing Victoria E-News will now move to fortnightly editions, with the next edition scheduled for Friday 13th February.

Read more below.

Rowing Victoria

       UPCOMING REGATTAS

STATE CHAMPS MERCANDISE - PRE-ORDER NOW

Pre-orders are now open for RV State Championships and RV Junior School State Championships merchandise.

Place your order via The Regatta Shop now and help us celebrate the 150th year of Victorian rowing in style.

⏰  RV State Championships Close 10am Mon 16th February	⏰  RV Junior School State Champs Close 10am Mon 9th February

U19 AUSTRALIAN TEAM - NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Under 19 Australian Rowing Team, set to compete at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from 5-9th August.

The athlete and coach nomination links can be found within the Event Requirements.

Nominations close on 28th February 2026. 

RV VIRTUAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rowing Victoria are excited to announce the introduction of the RV Virtual Rowing Championships, in partnership with Row Nation & EXR.

The Virtual Open (Heats) will be open to competitors from 7th - 15th February, with the Finalists (Top 4) in each category to compete LIVE using EXR at the RV State Championships on Sunday 1st March (during lunch break).

Entry is FREE, with registrations now open via the Row Nation event portal. More information is available via the regatta page.

ATHLETE HEALTH RESOURCES

Supporting the wellbeing and performance of every rower, Rowing Australia's Medical and Physiotherapy teams work together to provide evidence-based care, clear guidance, and high-quality services for elite athletes, pathway rowers, club and school programs, and the broader rowing community.

They provide key contacts, policies, and educational resources designed to help all rowers stay healthy, informed and ready to perform. Athletes, parents, and coaches are encouraged to review these resources below.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

Have your business or family name published in the online regatta program and results, as well as being announced by the event commentator during the race, with sponsorship now available for events at these regattas:

Head of the Schoolboys' Regatta- February 7th

Rowing Victoria State Championships - February 27th - March 1st

Head of the Schoolgirls' Regatta - March 13th-15th (Available Soon)

For further information or to discuss additional sponsorship opportunities, please email kieran@rowingvictoria.asn.au.

2026 MASTERS STATE TEAM - NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations are open for the 2026 Victorian Masters State Team, set to compete at the Interstate Masters Regatta at Champion Lakes, on May 29th.

Please review the full Selection Requirements before nominating. Please note these have recently been updated, with date changes for on-water trials and the sweep selection boat.

Nominations close on Monday 6th April 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.