Welcome to RV News

As we step into the 2026–27 season, a packed schedule of regattas is right around the corner, including the return of the Gippsland Grammar Sale Head Race for its second year, the Bendigo Sprint Regatta, and the RV Beach Sprints at Eastern Beach.

Continue reading for latest annoucements, regional stories, and upcoming events.

150 YEARS OF VICTORIAN ROWING - BOOK SALE

Commemorate 150 years of Victorian rowing with this limited edition publication.

This book captures the rich history, defining moments and remarkable individuals who have shaped our sport since its beginnings. From iconic regattas and championship triumphs to the grassroots volunteers and clubs that built the foundation, we celebrate the legacy, growth and enduring spirit of rowing in Victoria.

In stock now.

UPCOMING REGATTAS

Pathways Information Presentation

Presenters: Jason Lane – RA Head of Pathways & Delwyn Oliver – RV Pathways & Development Coordinator

Tuesday, 13 October 2026

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Essendon Rowing Club

This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring athletes, their parents and coaches to gain valuable insight into the possible pathways for aspiring athletes at a National and State level. To assist with organisation please register for this free event, using the link below.

Registration link: https://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/events/385581

Introducing Amelia, Communications & Member Engagement Coordinator

I wanted to share a brief hello - I'm Amelia, RV's Communications and Member Engagement Coordinator (you may know me as the new Kieran). I’m excited to get to know our community and highlight the fantastic work happening across the state.

My goal is simply to make sure our members are informed, engaged and supported. So, if your club has any news, photos, or updates you’d like to share, please feel free to reach out anytime at amelia@rowingvictoria.asn.au. I look forward to hearing from you!

VIS Spring Talent Search & Rowing Victoria All Abilities Rowing Days

Rowing Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Institute of Sport, hosted two All Abilities Come’n’Try rowing sessions at Albert Park Lake as part of the VIS 2026 Spring Talent Search.

Held on Wednesday, 23 September and Thursday, 24 September, the sessions provided people with disability the opportunity to experience rowing and explore participation in sport.

The success of these sessions was made possible through the support of experienced rowers, coxswains and coaches who generously gave their time, expertise and encouragement to assist participants on the water. Events like the VIS Spring Talent Search highlight the strength and inclusivity of our community, and we look forward to seeing many of these new rowers back out on Albert Park Lake.

Coaches:

Linda Skidmore

Chris Camiller

Alister Taylor

Harison Bogers

Jordan Roberts

Lucy de Gleria Cade

Rowers:

Anna Lill (Albert Park College)

Allinna Free (Albert Park College)

Coxswain:

Daisy Merrett (Albert Park College)

Power House Fitness for Parents 

Train while your kids train!

A 9-week coached fitness program for parents from the school rowing community.

Train at Power House Rowing Club while your kids are at rowing. Two early morning sessions each week, designed to build fitness and strength in a friendly, social club environment.

Mondays & Fridays
6:00am –7:00am
12 October – 11 December 2026

Register HERE by October 11

2026 World Masters Rowing Regatta

Last month, the 2026 World Masters Rowing Regatta was held on Lake Bled, Slovakia, bringing together thousands of rowers from around the globe. 

Among successful competitors were Corio Bay Rowing Club member, Dick Garrand, and Mark and Ruth Oliver from Hawthorne Rowing Club. 

60 Years On - Dick Garrard Returns to Lake Bled 

(Article from Corio Bay Rowing Club Newsletter)

Dick and his long-time rowing companion George Xouris won gold for the eight and quad races and silver for the double scull.

The victories come exactly 60 years after Dick and George were selected to represent Australia in the World Championships also held on Lake Bled in 1966. Dick had earlier competed for Australia in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

An active member of this club, Dick, 83, had retired from active rowing ten years ago, focussing instead on coaching - including current Corio Bay charges Ned Joyce, James Trott and Elise Stevens - but accepted the challenge from George, aged 85, to train for a return to Lake Bled. Dick has been training since October last year.

For the victorious quad, Dick teamed up with a former colleague from his 1977 world championship crew (Rod “Banana” Stewart) and Stuart Wilson’s former world championship crew mate, Colin Barratt. For the winning eight, the quad crew was joined by some impressive Germans, including an 86 year old gold medalist from the 1960 Rome Olympics.

The double, with George, was pipped by a German boat by less than one second in a time of 4:20.

Dickie is already back at the club, coaching and plans to be back on the water soon in preparation for 2027. “We will have to do 3:55 if we want to win the G mixed double”, he told training buddy Bonnie Dalton. 

Husband and Wife Duo Win Gold

Mark and Ruth Oliver, husband and wife combo from Hawthorn Rowing Club, proved their compatibility once again, winning Gold in the Mixed F Double Scull on the last day of the competition. 

Rowing Australia Announcements

2026 Coaches Conferences

Three days of sessions built for school and youth coaches — from national team coaches and Olympic athletes to specialists working outside rowing entirely. Every session is built around one question: what can you take back to your program? 

Whether you're leading a school squad or managing a club boathouse, this year’s Coaches Conference is packed with practical takeaways. Featured speakers will share expertise on coxing, connecting deeper with your athletes, and refining team boats like the quad and the eight.

You'll leave with practical ideas and new tools to elevate your program this season.

 View the complete program schedule here

Saturday October 24th - Monday October 26th 

Southport, Queensland 

Australian Indoor Rowing Open

AIRO26 returns from 24 October to 1 November, giving competitors nine days to race on their own Concept2 RowErgs whenever it suits them best.

Key highlights for this year's event:

• Flexible Racing: Race at your school or club on your own schedule.

• Team & Group Entry: School licences are available to easily cover group entries.

• Leaderboards: Track performance across club, school, and team categories.

• Titles & Prizes: Compete for AIRC26 national titles, and finish "the Stack" to earn a limited-edition AIRO26 shirt.