December 2025 Bow Ball Bulletin
Merry Christmas and Compliments of the Season to all!
Row, Ho, Ho… at HRC.
Row, ho, ho was an awesome day at the club! As you can see many donned festive gear to join in some rowing, morning tea, a bbq and the annual presentation led by our President, Bill Olayos.
Annual Awards - Bill Olayos, President.
Most Successful Male Rower: Mark Oliver (15 medals)
Most Successful Female Rower: Catherine Ashley (20 medals)
Most Successful Youth Rower (U25) Max Currie (11 medals)
Most Successful Junior Regatta Rower: Tommy Perronnet, Lucas Davies & Elea Diallo ( 3 Gold Medals each)
Most Successful Coxswain: Guy Besley (a lot!)
Most Improved Rowers:
Junior: Poppy Page & Brigitte Tan
Youth: Daniel Stute & Emile Stigter
Senior: Chloe Cheng.
Congratulations to all!
Bill Olayos
Our champion Cox - Guy Besley.
Hawthorn Rowing Club is proud to celebrate Guy Besley, a coxswain whose record of performance, preparation and leadership places him among the best in Australian rowing.
Supporting this is his placing as the 2025 Rowing Victoria Male Coxswain of the Year, a very significant twenty-seven points ahead of the second-placed coxswain. He is an exceptional racing cox. Over many seasons he has guided crews to victories through calm decision-making, precise steering, and a rare ability to lift athletes at decisive moments. His reputation is built not on theory, but on results — repeatedly delivering under pressure in competitive racing environments.
What really sets Guy apart is that his authority from the cox’s seat is underpinned by elite personal athletic performance. In 2025, he won the Australian National 2 km Indoor Rowing Championship for his age group (out of 11 entries), while also taking silver in the 1 km (out of 13 entries) and bronze in the 500 m and 1-minute events — results that would be impressive for any rower, let alone a coxswain. His fitness ensures credibility, presence and deep empathy for what athletes experience physically during racing.
Beyond rowing, Guy is an elite endurance athlete, having represented Australia in triathlon competition internationally. This background brings a powerful cross-disciplinary understanding of pacing, fatigue management, mental toughness and competitive psychology — insights that directly inform his coxing calls and leadership style.
His leadership is seen in his drive to support others. While earning this reputation on the racecourse, Guy has also focussed outward on developing others. He runs a widely attended Zoom erg class twice a week for free. He is also the founder of The Coxswain’s Journey, a globally followed platform including a regular podcast dedicated to improving coxing standards worldwide. He has recently published Part 2 of his book, The Complete Guide to Mastering Coxing Leadership and Performance — a practical, experience-based guide that reflects thousands of race decisions, not abstract theory.
For Hawthorn Rowing Club, Guy represents the modern coxswain at their best:
race-proven, athletically credible, mentally tough, and committed to raising standards for others.
Guy’s a cox of rare calibre and we have been fortunate to have his voice in the boat — and his leadership within our club.
Mark Oliver.
Trivia at HRC
Our Quiz Master in action!
John B Stewart heading up another Trivia Night for HRC - alias JB.
His take on how it all began…
Just some background. I was fascinated by quiz nights from an early age after my mother and father took me to one on a ship out from England, run by some of the crew. I even remember one of the questions!
(Where did the last rivet go into this ship? A: you’ll find the answer at the end of this edition! ).
I started my trivia hosting on a bus trip to Russia in 1984! The other members and staff of our tour seemed to enjoy it, so that kick started my p/t 'vocation'. Since then I have run trivia nights for schools, football clubs, charities including Sunflower Foundation (education for girls in the third world) and PNet Foundation (finding cures for rare childhood brain cancers). I have run them for my workplace (Kangan Tafe) and other Rowing Clubs including Melbourne, Power House and Banks. I did it semi professionally briefly in 2000/2001 including travel to sporting clubs and associations in country Victoria. I have done Trivia nights at Hawthorn RC off and on for over 20 years, taking over from the late Dr. Dennis Bourke. Two of my all time favourite questions that often re-occur are, What is the name of the test that London cabbies take to get their licence. And how is 4 displayed on a Roman Numerals clock face. I also love going to them as a participant, so if anyone in the club gets an invitation to one I'd love to 'tag along'! I've won Cash prizes on some TV quiz shows some years ago, including a significant win on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' with Eddie Maguire, when I was carry over champion from one week to the next. I have enjoyed working at some great venues including the Bentleigh Club and my favourite, The Richmond Town Hall. I hope to keep doing them for as long as my enthusiasm for them remains.
John B. Stewart
The Bridge Hotel supports
Hawthorn Rowing Club through it’s loyalty club.
December Member of the Month
Congratulations to Max Currie, our Member of the Month. Max’s contribution to the club includes organising the last two social events, the Under 23 Camp and coaching at RD. These activities are an important part of the social life of the club. The U23 camp provides an important opportunity for youth members to improve their rowing skills in a supportive and professional environment. Max was also awarded Club Most Successful Youth Rower (U25) winning 11 medals in his category.
Thanks Max.
Julie-ann Cotchin
Regatta News
Report on Henley by Mark Oliver.
Henley on the Maribyrnong Regatta Results
Essendon Rowing Club.
A small but enthusiastic group of Hawthorn rowers turned out for “Henley in Melbourne” on Saturday 13 December. With competitors ranging in age from just 16 to almost 70, the Hawthorn contingent was keen to dive into the fast-and-furious 350-metre sprint format, racing two crews at a time.
Rowers began arriving shortly after 6.30am, and the action started early, with John Raschke lining up for the first race of the day at 8.00am in the Men’s Single Scull. From there, the racing came thick and fast—particularly for those who took on up to eight races across the day, including Robyn, Julie, Frances and Ruth. Their rhythm became a familiar one: off the water, prepare the next boat, join the long queue, and race again. Others competed in fewer races, which allowed time to relax and take in the spectacle from some excellent spectator vantage points (click for video).
Conditions were excellent throughout the day, although mid-afternoon officials announced that a thunderstorm was forecast to arrive within 45 minutes. Fortunately, it never materialised. The show went on—and so did Hawthorn’s medal haul.
There were some outstanding results. John and Sambo delivered a dominant performance to win the Men’s C-Grade Double Scull in a blistering time of 1 minute 7 seconds. Frances, Ruth, Julie and Robyn, with Michelle coxing, convincingly defeated Footscray City to take out the Women’s Masters Coxed/Coxless Four. Several other Hawthorn crews also secured strong second-place finishes across the regatta.
As always, the Hawthorn squad showed its depth and willingness to step in where needed. With coxes in short supply, Michelle, Julie, Deanna and Sam Lincoln all took turns throughout the day—along with one opportunistic recruit from Mercantile—saving the club around $200 in additional coxing fees. Further savings were made when Deanna, followed by Frances and Mark Oliver, stepped up to umpire, helping Hawthorn avoid the standard Rowing Victoria fine for non-provision.
Overall, it was an excellent day of racing and camaraderie, and many are already planning to return for the event next year.
Safety note: Unfortunately, the day was not without incident. Robyn was involved in a nasty accident when a quad was dropped on her head due to an error by a pontoon official. Remarkably, she went on to race again despite the pain, though hospital check-ups were required the following day. It served as a timely reminder that risks in rowing can come from many directions, and that we all need to remain vigilant. Several spectators were also moved during the day after being found sitting in positions where they were unaware of the danger posed by swinging boats.
A strong performance by Hawthorn—on the water and off it.
Mark Oliver
Highlights from the above results list:
Silver in the FC4X+: Ruth, Frances, Julie and Robyn. Time: 1.22.21 (12 crew entries - coming second to Carey girls)
Gold in the MC2X: John and Sam. Time: 1:07:47. (12 crew entries.)
Silver in the XM4X+ Michelle (Cox), Ruth, Mark, Bruce, Julie. (Six crew entries)
Gold in the FM4+/- Frances, Ruth, Robyn and Julie.
Report from Julie-ann Cotchin.
Youth Camp
Last week, our team travelled to Nagambie for an intensive rowing training camp, taking on one of Victoria’s most renowned rowing venues, in far from ideal conditions. Persistent strong winds and rough water set the tone for the week, creating a challenging environment that proved invaluable as the crew prepares for the upcoming racing season.
Over several demanding days, the squad completed a combination of long steady-state rows, high - intensity pieces and focused technical drills. The choppy conditions required constant attention to balance, boat control, and adaptability. Rather than hindering progress, the rough water became a powerful training asset, pushing athletes to refine their technique under pressure and build confidence in unstable conditions.
The success of the camp was made possible through the generous support of Nagambie Rowing Club. From providing access to facilities to fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, the club played a vital role in ensuring the camp ran smoothly. Their continued commitment to developing rowers, reinforces Nagambie’s reputation as a key destination for training programs across the state.
Despite training exclusively in single sculls, the camp also served as a valuable team-building experience. Teammates Dan, Tom, Emile and Davyd consistently pushed the standard in every session, supporting one another through early starts, heavy kilometres, and the toughest conditions. The shared challenges on and off the water strengthened team bonds and reinforced a strong training culture.
With the Nagambie camp now complete, we return home fitter more connected, and highly motivated, carrying valuable lessons and momentum into the next phase of preparation as we set our sights on the upcoming state and national championships.
Report by Adam Chang.
NEW MEMBERS (FROM NEXT DOOR)
When the Old Xaverians Rowing Club was wound up earlier this year, members wanting to continue in the sport didn’t have far to go. Thanks to neighbourly relationships established over the past decade with various HRC rowers, they simply moved ‘next door’ to be welcomed into the Hawthorn Rowing Club.
The OXRC (formerly the Ramsay-Morris Club) had operated from the Xavier boatsheds since 2005. After a group of rowing mothers were taught to row by the college’s senior coach Brian Dalton, a former Olympic coach, a small club was established and adult rowers had use of the sheds and equipment on Sunday mornings. It was essentially social or non-competitive rowing although the club was permitted boat crews each year in the Head of the Yarra, often a men’s eight and a mixed eight. On many Sunday mornings, Hawthorn rowers would generously fill seats to complete an eight. As a result, both on the water and over post-row coffees, firm inter-club friendships developed.
In 2014 and 2015 when ‘Old Xav’ numbers were short, HRC rowers, including Alan Purton and Ron Leurs, competed in composite crews at the Head of the Yarra. And in 2019, on Alan’s initiative, a composite HRC/OXRC crew - stroked by Dimitrios Beroukas - travelled to Queensland to compete in the 10 km Head of the Brisbane.
Thus, when a dwindling group of OXRC members were looking for more opportunities to row than were possible at Xavier, it was a logical and easy step to approach Hawthorn. Alan and Dimitrios smoothed the way by facilitating membership transfers for Jenny Lefebvre, Tony Bennett, Stephen Case, Anthony Davie, Mark Latham, Mike Lefebvre, Orlando Pezzimenti and Peter Sim.
HRC’s rowing programs, facilities and social activities are terrific and we are enjoying the ability to row at various times during the week. A number of us were involved as volunteers at this year’s Head of the Yarra and gained a better appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes of this massive event. We have all have been made very welcome at HRC and are greatly appreciative of Alan and Dimitrios for facilitating our membership. Photos below show two HOtY crews, final HOtY 2024, medalling in Brisbane’s Head and the composite HRC/OXRC crew.
Mike Lefebvre
Regattas
The next regattas are as follows:
REGATTAS
Please find the regattas for January.
Rutherglen Regatta - 9-10th January.
Ballarat Regatta - Last day EOI 4/1/26.
Barwon Regatta - Last day EOI 11/1/26.
ROWING DEVELOPMENT recommences from January 6, 2026.
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
Club Captain.
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!
Monica Fawcett.
Co-ordinator of the Friday morning 10am and 12 noon quad crews.
Thank goodness for the WhatsApp 'poll’ function. It took me a while to find it, but helped by fellow crew members, we managed it. The poll makes organising so much easier, before using it, getting the two quad crews sorted was as difficult as herding cats. Now, with the poll, people can quickly and easily advise if they are available to row and which time slot they prefer (session 1 at 10:00 am and session 2 at 12 noon.) At least I have only two sessions to organise and both are on Fridays. I have been the "Keeper of the Poll" for a while now, with help from James and other regular ‘quaddies’, and, because of their support, it is an easy task.
As Shane is our coach and cox there are rarely vacant seats, but if one or the other of the sessions look a bit empty the HRC Social Chat members are invited to let me know it they want to come along and join a crew, I’ll then save then the seats.
Although there is a core group of Friday regulars, we welcome all levels of rowers, some of us are
fairly new to rowing and others are enthusiastic competitors. Our fitness improves with our
involvement and commitment to keep training and participating. No matter how many years, or months, we have been rowing, we all want to keep learning and practicing to maintain or grow our skill levels and improve our technique. Shane is the ideal coach for this, his patience verges on the ‘saintly’ and he turns nervous incompetents into effective rowers.
I didn’t start rowing until my mid 50s, and was the prime example of a nervous incompetent, but I loved it so much that kept coming back to participate in the sport. I was very lucky to have started and stayed, with Hawthorn Rowing Club. HRC iS a very welcoming and accommodating club which makes room for the less competent, the social, the more expert and the competitive rowers as well as the rising stars. My rowing proficency is less than magnificent, but that doesn't stop me from turning up every week, fortunately for me, the Friday crews are very forgiving!
Besides the total joy of rowing in a quad, with a well balanced crew, demonstrating perfect timing on a beautiful day, and on a mill-pond river, the friendship and social benefits of a post-row coffee and chat are like the icing on a cake (not a great analogy for me as I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I’m sure you know what I mean). Fitness, fun and friendship - a great combination.
Monica Fawcett.
Co-ordinator of the Friday morning quads.
10am and 12 am.
The answer to the Trivia Question!
(Where did the last rivet go into this ship? A: In the last hole!).
J.B.Stewart
2025 Head of the Yarra Sponsors
Official Sponsors:
Click Logos to go to sponsor websites:
Supporters:
Monthly Roundup
Next month….
January
RD commences from 6th.
Regattas:
Rutherglen: 9- 10/1/26
Ballarat: 17/1 EOI closes 4/01/26
Barwon 24-25th EOI closes 11/01/26.