November 2025 Bow Ball Bulletin
Head of the Yarra 2025
The fastest HOTY crew in a time of 24:57.48 - Sydney Rowing Club approaching the finish!
The HRC Community at Work.
Preparations for the big day.
On the day
At the Sheds.
Hydration Tent Organiser - Henry Briffa
The highlight of the HOTY was to lead a small team composed of young and old, male and female, with a range of physical strengths, rowers who were both highly skilled and novice, working together as a team to raise funds for the club. It was enjoyable getting to know more club members and to converse with them. After the weekend, I sent these volunteers an email thanking them for their time and I got an email back from one of the team telling me she enjoyed my conversation and support.
I’d describe myself as a social rower; I enjoy the company of a group of old men I meet with at day break on a Tuesday and Thursday morning and I’m not a regular rower at regattas though I have attended a few and sometimes also participate in scratch crews.
Perhaps there is something about rowing and people in general that means we gravitate back to the same small crews and groups we have become familiar with. Perhaps it is easy to lose sight of the stated objective of the club: ‘social and community based….broad access…. ensuring that our amenity remains available to all’. Perhaps events like HOTY help to remind us that we are all in this together.
But as a final note, as the organiser of the hydration tent, I got to attend the last meeting of the HOTY committee, and I have to take my hat off to them. This lot will now take a short recess, before getting together again in a few months and begin to plan HOTY 2026!
Henry Briffa
At the City End
The first boats to commence the 2025 Head of the Yarra.
The Bridge Hotel supports
Hawthorn Rowing Club through it’s loyalty club.
November Member of the Month
Attention! Row!
Bruce’s voice at the Start Line of the Head of the Yarra has a been a familiar and reassuring sound for 19 years.
We have always had a soft spot for Bruce who has always felt like HRC family, but recently returned to Hawthorn as a competitive rower. He has peeled logos off the balcony glass, helped repair boats, loaded boats for regattas and always brings his warm, friendly smile and supportive nature to everyone at the Club.'
We are so lucky to have you at Hawthorn now Bruce!
Julie-ann Cotchin
Regatta News
From Club Captain - Tristan Krstevski
Melbourne Head Regatta Results
Glorious spring day for the Melbourne Head.
Rowing upstream to the start with the beautiful backdrop of the city of Melbourne.
Hawthorn crews rowing hard!
Melbourne Head Results 15/11/25
4th - MO2- - E.Stigter, M.Currie - 12:37.15
6th - MO1X - W.Hexter - 13:09.22
🥉 - MLW1X - D.Stute - 13:20.30
5th - FLW1X - P.Page - 16:07.69
6th - MM4X+/- - B.Winnen, J.Stewart, M.Oliver, M.Campbell, Cox: G.Besley - 13:45.33
8th - MM4X+/- - S.Watts, P.Sedawie, P.Wilson, P.Freeland-Small, Cox: G.Besley - 14:01.00
6th - FM4X+/- - S.Rogers, D.Penman, M.Watts, R.Blake, Cox: A.Shub - 15:43.22
🥉 - MClub2X - D.Yudko, A.Chang - 12:30.42
🥈 - FM4+/- - T.Rimmington [HAWTH], R.Oliver [HAWTH], W.Cotter [NRC], J.Cotchin [HAWTH], Cox: S.Lincoln [RCHMD] - 14:35.48
6th - FM8+ - S.Lilly, R.Blake, T.Rimmington, R.Oliver, D.Horne, J.Cotchin, N.Kinsman, L.Judge, Cox: G.Besley - 14:06.58
🥇 - X4X+/- - J.Wheelahan, B.Olayos, L.Olayos, R.Blackwell, Cox: A.Shub - 13:46.59
10th - MSCH2X - E.Shoolman, J.Inglis - 14:26.08
4th - MM2X - D.Beroukas, A.Purton - 16:30.70
5th - MSCH4X+Y91 - P.Burke, L.Mikus, H.Penman, A.Liu, Cox: L.Page - 12:45.04
7th - XM4X+/- - J.Fogarty, A.Smart, D.Horne, K.Barendregt, Cox: G.Besley - 14:42.16
🥇 - MM1X - S.O'Connor-Smith - 13:27.60
12th - FSCH1X - P.Page - 15:37.90
11th - PC2X - D.Penman, H.Penman
12th - PC2X - C.Watts [BANKS], S.Watts [HAWTH]
🥈 - PC2X - N.Inglis [YARRA], J.Inglis [HAWTH]
Great day and atmosphere in the leadup to HoTY. Thanks to Bill for lending his car to tow to and from the venue and all who helped load and unload the trailer!
Sacred Heart Schoolgirls Regatta 29/11/25
🥉 - FSCHY91xO1 - L. Page
🥈 - FSCH2xO1 - B.Tan, P. Page
Congratulations on the juniors girls on the first big schoolgirl regatta. Awesome results! Thanks to Jackson M for coaching on the day.
Balwyn High Kids - LTR Completion & Regatta
A group of 32 Balwyn High School kids over the last two terms have completed a learn to row course to experience a new sport. They loved it so much they took on their first regatta at Carrum on the 29/11 and had a lot of fun.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRoHqxYk5VK/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNnT0xjzkB5/
Thanks to Coaches, Alice, Emile, Jackson, Max, Mia, Elke and Tristan, for their help over the two terms!
National Selection Camp + Regatta
Congratulations to Max Currie for getting an invite to the Rowing Australia U23 Camp + National Selection Regatta in Penrith from the 10-20th December. Wishing you good speed!
Selection Policy in Place
Please familiarise with Selection Policy which will come into effect for Rutherglen onwards. (File attached in heading)
Bad weather? Bad conditions?
The club has bought some erg sliders which can be set up as doubles / quad to row together. If you would like to learn how to get it setup, ask one of the youth or Tristan.
New regatta cabinet
All the regatta kit and toolboxes have been stored away underneath the new table (Thanks to Vic and Jen for making and installing!). Note that tools for bolt on riggers will require people to bring their own tools.
Report damage!! report report report!
Kind Regards,
Tristan Krstevski
Club Captain
More photos of Melbourne Head Regatta.
Premiership Standings
Regattas
The next regattas are as follows:
REGATTAS
Please find the regattas for December.
2025 Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta
ROWING DEVELOPMENT
Rowing Development is on Tuesday and Thursday, (5:45pm arrival for 6pm on the water) 6pm - 7:30pm.
Make sure you book in prior to 3:30pm on the same day!
Saturday is at 2pm (where there are no regattas) and Sunday is at 9am. Make sure you these done at least the night before.
Progress Squad should continue to open up as well with more opportunities for sessions on Sunday once the exam period for the coaches is over.
All progress Squad and RD can be booked via https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/20b74586/?categories[]=Rowing%20Training.
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tristan
Message from our President…
Dear Members,
At our recent HRC committee meeting, it was brought to our attention that there has been an increase in incidents of boat damage that have not been reported. We have also received concerning reports of tape being used to conceal damage. This is unacceptable and poses significant safety risks to all members.
We kindly remind everyone to follow the Club’s Water Safety Policy, available on our website. In particular, please review the following procedures:
Boat Incident / Damage Procedures
If you discover any damage to HRC boats or equipment, please notify the Captain, Vice-Captain, or any Committee member. An HRC Boat Incident & Maintenance Request Form (available on the HRC website) must also be completed. If you believe a boat is unsafe, please tag it with a red Do Not Use label (available on the booking boards).
Boats or oars marked as under repair must not be used under any circumstances, as repairs are essential to the safety of all members.
All crew members must report equipment failures or safety concerns to the coxswain or steer-person immediately.
Failure to report damage can result in equipment being unavailable for other members and may prevent the Club from lodging insurance claims within required timeframes. Clause 22.4 of the Club’s Constitution states:
“Any member or members damaging the Club’s property and failing to report the same to an Office holder of the Club within 48 hours, may be held responsible for the entire amount of such damage.”
Additionally, if a member is found to have been negligent, they may be held personally responsible for associated costs.
Thank you for your cooperation, for treating our equipment with care, and for ensuring that all damage is reported within 48 hours from now on.
Kind regards,
Bill Olayos
President HRC
At Leonda Bridge
(A HOTY reflection)
‘Three tired boats,
From down river yonder,
Can’t squeeze through,
The arch at Leonda’.
(One Tired Marshall). Anon.
Housekeeping Items
HRC Constitution
Please note that the the revised HRC constitution that was presented at the 2025 AGM is now available on the club’s website under ‘Membership Policies’.
Rowing Kit
A final reminder to members interested in purchasing Canterbury Club Gear. A minimum order will be lodged in the near future. The club will then invoice each person who has confirmed and the item will be available for pickup at HRC. There is some great winter gear available such as hoodies, spray jackets and puffers. Please email Tristan if you have any questions.
Pontoon Sports is supplying HOTY merchandise this year. Refer to the website for details https://pontoonsports.com/collections/head-of-the-yarra-2025?srsltid=AfmBOop9_GJDvbOCnISWvJSoD8A80j5UT9TC5gvC17-U60XfzqZL20Sg
Reporting Boat Damage
General Reminders:
Boat damage reporting. Please notify Tristan ASAP or you could be liable for the full damage of the boat. captain@hawthornrowingclub.com.
Please use the changerooms for storing your personal items. Not the downstairs areas.
BOOK BOOK BOOK. Do not use without booking boats. If you don’t have permission, don’t use it.
Please let the Captain know beforehand if you are making a repair or if you have made one.
Tristan
Spotlight on a member/s!
Rob Perkins and his team.
Thank you to Julie-ann Cotchin for this photo and graphics.
As the sun set on the 22nd November some 150 people breathed a sigh of relief mixed with immense satisfaction. Hawthorn Rowing Club had delivered a memorable and successful Head of the Yarra in 2025. But what a difference a day makes!
In 2024 we cooked. This year the weather was as perfect as it comes, yet 24 hours later we had an inch of rain! So, the weather gods were with us this year., but it does show that the best laid plans can be derailed by external forces.
Speaking of plans, our HOTY organising committee is a very broad and talented group. We have over 30 people who work during the year to deliver mission critical roles, and well over 100 others who come and assist on the day. Each empowered to carry out their mission and come together on that 4th Saturday in November, year on year. This is an extraordinary achievement for a medium sized rowing club from Hawthorn. It shows the dedication and club spirit that is HRC and the pride that comes with the kudos of being one of the big 3 head races in the world.
The feedback from clubs that enter is universally positive:
Murdoch Dryden, Club Captain, Auckland Rowing Club:
I’ve enjoyed racing the Head of the Yarra most years since 2015. As an event, I rate it ahead of my experiences at Henley or Head of the Charles. It is a highlight to return each year.
Steve Burke, President, Drummoyne Rowing Club:
This is the 20th or 21st time that the club has participated …and would like to express our appreciation for the tremendous amount of work that you invest in this event and hope that it all goes well for you this year.
Ruth Kelly, Leichardt Rowing Club:
A highlight of the rowing calendar and a feat of organisation!
We are already underway with plans for 2026 and beyond. It is an exciting agenda, and we welcome new and particularly our younger members to get involved. An email to hoy-enq@hawthornrowingclub.com will get a swift response from our organising committee.
Put it in the diary now: Saturday 28th November 2026
Rob Perkins
Chair, Head of the Yarra Committee
Hawthorn Rowing Club
2025 Head of the Yarra Sponsors
Official Sponsors:
Click Logos to go to sponsor websites:
Supporters:
