May 2026 Bow Ball Bulletin
Lake Nagambie on the eve of the Masters State Championships.
2026 RV Masters State Championships .
A meal together after a day of rowing…
The Victorian State Masters 2026 was quite a couple of days and a fitting finale to the 2026 Victorian Masters regatta season.
And what a season it was.
Fire cancelled the first regatta of the year at Rutherglen. Smoke cancelled the second at Barwon. Wind very nearly cancelled Albert Park, and much credit goes to those hardy Hawthorn rowers — and rowers from other clubs — who stubbornly hung in there until the bitter end.
All we were missing was thunderstorms.
Day 1 at the States was relatively civilised.
Then came Day 2.
We were missing thunderstorms no longer. And proceedings came to a sudden halt as lightning moved to within a few hundred metres of the course. Crews huddled nervously under the large central metal shed while deep philosophical discussions broke out about whether the building actually had lightning rods installed.
I confidently assured everyone that, of course, it would.
On returning home, however, I consulted the modern Oracle — ChatGPT — which calmly informed me that “most buildings in Australia do not have traditional lightning rods installed.”
Ignorance, it turns out, really is bliss.
For several hours the storm advanced, retreated, then advanced again like a Napoleonic campaign. Eventually most of the Hawthorn contingent sensibly relocated to a Nagambie pub for lunch.
Naturally, this was precisely the moment Peter Wilson informed everyone that racing was back on.
Some crews then enjoyed the highly specialised Olympic sport of “panic rigging”, involving driving back to the course, changing clothes, rigging boats and getting to the start within about 30 minutes.
Excellent cross-training for stress management.
The delayed schedule also meant the start holders apparently reached the end of their industrial agreement and knocked off before racing resumed. Crews therefore had to hold themselves on the starter’s pontoon without assistance while simultaneously avoiding drifting sideways into neighbouring lanes, marker buoys and occasionally each other.
Again — all good experience.
By about 4pm the lake had calmed beautifully and conditions became genuinely pleasant. This is not the first time Nagambie has produced perfect rowing weather approximately eight hours after everyone wanted it.
I have therefore recommended that future regattas commence at about 4:30pm and continue into the night under floodlights. Night vision goggles could perhaps be included in entry fees.
Despite the weather drama, it was a fantastic regatta with strong performances from Hawthorn crews and terrific camaraderie and support throughout the weekend.
Of course, none of the rowing could happen without coxes. Guy Besley and Catherine Ashley did a magnificent job steering crews to victory, supported by several Hawthorn women who stepped in as emergency coxes when required, including Victorian President Deb Spring, who helped us out with coxing too.
And congratulations to Guy on being awarded Cox of the Year for 2025. We understand he intends this to become a biennial award, so no pressure for 2027.
(I also offered to cox. No-one seemed particularly enthusiastic. I would like to think this is because of my weight disadvantage. It could not possibly relate to my steering ability, which has occasionally been described as “creative.”)
Bruce also went well above and beyond the call of duty, doing an extended BRO shift on Saturday and not even getting to row over the weekend himself — a sacrifice deserving at minimum a free coffee and possibly a small statuette.
Virginia likewise stepped in again and helped enormously with BRO duties.
Meanwhile Simon and Mel not only transported the trailer to Nagambie and back, but also demonstrated elite-level trailer reversing techniques upon return. The trailer was expertly reversed into position with such precision that Masters rowers talked about it in awe.
Max — eat your heart out.
On the water, Hawthorn finished with 14 medals: 4 gold, 4.25 silver and 5.75 bronze medals, placing us 7th out of 29 competing clubs.
(Yes a quarter-medal can be obtained but not on its own, unlike a half Blue)
Special congratulations go to Julie, who was Hawthorn’s highest-ranked rower overall on the medal tally — and the 7th highest-ranked female overall — with an extraordinary four gold medals and one bronze, finishing 17th overall out of 243 competitors.
Once again, Hawthorn’s female Masters rowers led the way on the medal table, with several Hawthorn women finishing above the highest-ranked Hawthorn male, who came in at a modest 74th place.
Clearly, we men still have some catching up to do.
All in all, it was an excellent event and enormous credit goes to Nagambie Rowing Club for sticking with it and resurrecting the regatta after the lightning delay rather than cancelling proceedings altogether.
Many thanks also to the Rowing Victoria staff, whom we first told to cancel our events — only for us to return a short time later saying we urgently needed to reverse the cancellation because we were suddenly racing again.
Particular thanks go to the ever-helpful RV entries coordinator Liz Ballan, who somehow managed all the changes with efficiency, patience and a friendly smile, despite what was probably becoming a strong temptation to hide from Hawthorn rowers altogether.
At this point, all we need is a snowstorm and we will have experienced almost every weather pattern available to Victorian rowing.
Which reminds me of the old Viking weather forecasting system:
At night, place a stone on the outside windowsill.
In the morning:
if it’s warm — it’s sunny;
if it’s wet — it’s raining;
if it’s white — it snowed;
if you can’t find it — it was very windy.
But if the stone has been struck by lightning, you were probably at the Victorian Masters.
Mark Oliver
(Suggested article from Farrago Magazine from Mark Oliver: Arms, Body, Legs. Words by Kiana Wallace Sun 19 Apr 2026)
RV Masters Championships RESULTS
🥉 - MMAD8+ - T.Sirotic, C.Tulloch, D.Jacka, S.O'Connor-Smith, D.Mayes, M.Jacka, D.Holman, S.Gilbert, Cox: A.Everett - 3:13.02
🥉 - MME4X- - P.Freeland-Small, E.Anstee, S.Watts, J.Lake - 3:59.91
4th - XMFK4X- - J.Wheelahan, R.Blackwell, B.Olayos, L.Olayos - 4:17.51
🥇 - XMFK4X- - M.Oliver, R.Oliver, J.Cotchin, J.Stewart - 3:47.32
4th - XMDE4+ - R.Blake, P.Wilson, M.Campbell, T.Rimmington, Cox: C.Ashley - 4:32.59
6th - FM4X+ - M.Watts, N.Kinsman, F.Graham, V.Hamilton, Cox: G.Besley - 4:36.22
🥉 - FMC4+ - E.Williamson, L.Judge, A.Shub, F.Richardson, Cox: J.Rhodes - 4:48.44
🥈 - MMG4X- - M.Campbell, J.Stewart, M.Oliver, S.Watts - 3:52.35
🥉 - MM4- - C.Tulloch, S.O'Connor-Smith, D.Holman, S.Gilbert - 3:58.62
5th - FMClub4- - R.Blake, T.Rimmington, N.Kinsman, L.Olayos - 4:57.40
5th - XMD4X- - L.Judge, E.Williamson, J.Lake, P.Wilson - 4:29.49
🥇 - FMF4X- - F.Graham, J.Cotchin, R.Oliver, M.Watts - 4:03.65
🥈 - FMF4X- - J.Wheelahan, W.Cotter, H.Bradbury, S.Andrews - 4:10.44
🥉 - MMD2- - C.Tulloch, S.O'Connor-Smith - 3:46.26
6th - MMClub4X+ - M.Campbell, P.Wilson, J.Lake, R.Blackwell, Cox: N.Kinsman - 4:57.89
🥉 - MMGK4+ - P.Freeland-Small, J.Stewart, S.Watts, B.Olayos, Cox: C.Ashley - 4:38.42
7th - FMD4+ - F.Richardson, L.Olayos, A.Shub, R.Blake, Cox: G.Besley - 4:55.84
6th - FMD4X- - E.Williamson, L.Judge, A.Shub, F.Richardson - 4:41.64
🥉 - MMF4+ - M.Campbell, J.Lake, R.Blackwell, E.Anstee, Cox: C.Ashley - 4:19.97
🥈 - FMF1X - J.Wheelahan - 5:01.85
6th - FMEK8+ - R.Oliver, J.Cotchin, M.Watts, F.Graham, T.Rimmington, N.Kinsman, V.Hamilton, R.Blake, Cox: G.Besley - 4:36.31
4th - XMFK4+ - P.Wilson, M.Campbell, T.Rimmington, V.Hamilton, Cox: D.Spring - 4:43.42
🥈 - MME1X - S.O'Connor-Smith - 4:02.08
🥈 - MMGK2X - M.Oliver, J.Stewart - 5:10.10
🥉 - MMClub4- - P.Freeland-Small, R.Blackwell, S.Watts, B.Olayos - 4:51.54
8th - FME2X - L.Judge, E.Williamson - 5:17.16
6th - FME2X - A.Shub, J.Wheelahan - 4:45.12
🥉 - XMF2X - M.Oliver, R.Oliver - 4:12.21
🥉 - FME4X- - N.Kinsman, M.Watts, J.Cotchin, F.Graham - 4:16.45
🥉 - MMF4X- - E.Anstee, M.Campbell, M.Oliver, P.Wilson - 4:15.32
🥇 - FMClub4X+ - M.Watts, J.Cotchin, R.Oliver, F.Graham, Cox: G.Besley - 4:28.72
🥇 - FME4+ - M.Watts, T.Rimmington, N.Kinsman, J.Cotchin, Cox: C.Ashley - 4:21.57
🥈 - MMF1X - M.Oliver - 4:39.67
~~Member of the Month ~~
~~Member of the Month ~~
Jenny has been an incredible contributor to HRC.
Thanks to Jenny’s efforts, we’ve never had a more consistent Bow Bulletin — packed full of news, updates, and stories that are helping everyone feel more connected and engaged within the club community.
Recently, Jenny also stepped up to fill a position on the HRC Committee following Emile’s departure, continuing her commitment to supporting the club behind the scenes.
She is also leading the Club’s involvement in the Royal Flying Doctor Service Rowathon coming up in September — a fantastic initiative we’re proud to be part of.
On the water, Jenny is a familiar face at many of our ‘eight’ morning rows, and her dedication was on full display when she even attended the recent working bee while feeling unwell!
Jenny contributes in every way possible — both rowing and coxing — including coxing the Wellington Rowing Club 8 in a training row prior to our Anzac Day Club Race.
Jenny, thank you for your energy, generosity, and commitment to HRC. We truly appreciate everything you do! 💙
Julie-ann Cotchin
〰️ The President's Desk
〰️ The President's Desk
From the desk of the President.
Well, the weekly whine, morphed into the monthly moan, and has now progressed to the occasional observation. While autumn fades into winter, it is pleasing to see there is no fading of enthusiasm in our competitive cohort. Hawthorn was well represented at what can only be described as an atmospherically challenging State Championship Regatta earlier this month. And the crews who defied the God of thunder and persevered were well rewarded. And some of those same crews are fighting it out at the national level, over in Perth, even as I write this. AND with more success on day one already! We are all very proud of their efforts.
Not to ignore the less frenetic efforts of rowing at a more social level, Richard James continues to fill this space with his regular "Come one, come all" rows. These accommodate newer rowers, or those without a regular crew, or recent Learn to row graduates, or really, as he says, anyone who wants a row. Keep up the good work, Richard!
The Winter Sculling Series is on the horizon, and it does look like this too will have a good contingent from Hawthorn competing around the usual venues, but highlighted (in my mind, at least) by six rounds of 2km handicapped races (800m for novices), downriver on the Yarra. For anyone who wishes to hone their single sculling skills, it doesn't get much better than this.
Learn to Row continues to churn out more potential grist for the rowing mill, brilliantly overseen by the manifestly competent if not outright gifted SImon Watts, and thanks to you Simon.
The HOTY Committee continues on its relentless efforts to not only present the best regatta on Australia's rowing calendar, but to continually improve the same. Amazing ongoing work, and thanks from the rest of us to Rob Perkins and his peerless crew of minions.
Enough of the "thank yous" and "congratulations", now onto the more serious matters. Oh wait, what's that? Oh, my editor tells me I have already exceeded my allotment. Oh well, until next month, row safe and row happy!
Bill Olayos
HRC President
〰️ HOTY SPONSORS〰️ HOTY SPONSORS
〰️ HOTY SPONSORS〰️ HOTY SPONSORS
Head of the Yarra 2026 Sponsors!
The Hawthorn Rowing Club is seeking additional sponsors for the Head of the Yarra 2026 event, to help us build on the success of past events. If Members have direct contact (through work, friendship or some other direct association) with potential HOTY corporate sponsors, please provide contact details to either Simon Watts ( sponsorship@hawthornrowingclub.com) or Rob Perkins (chair@headoftheyarra.com). we would be pleased to talk to any potential sponsors and share our sponsorship document with them.
Simon Watts
〰️ HOTY HISTORY 〰️ HOTY HISTORY
〰️ HOTY HISTORY 〰️ HOTY HISTORY
HOTY History
Head of the Yarra - 28th November 2026.
I do like a good program…
Call me old fashioned (go on!) but there is nothing like having something to read on real, old-fashioned paper. Not a smart phone or a smart watch but a fair dinkum bit of print.
Which brings me back to what we used to do all the way from 1957 to 2018 – produce a program!
And what programs!
Works of art with photos and stories as well as the program for the HOTY for that year. The early ones from 1957 onwards (and we have some but not all) are almost art deco in their layout. They have advertisements, results for the previous year, lists of the key organisers, the program for the day and some wonderful vignettes of some of our long standing (and in some cases, sadly passed) members.
A perfect place to honour our long serving members and highlight the history of the club.
So, in 2026 we might just break a 7 year drought and re-introduce a program. All we need is a volunteer editor and a printing sponsor and we are away.
Give me a shout out if you can help with either or both, or I might have to tap you on the shoulder! Get your program, get your program!!
Rob Perkins
Chair, Head of the Yarra Committee 2026
tel 0411 402 832
〰️ Latest Socials
〰️ Latest Socials
Social, Training and Learning to Row.
As usual, another busy month at HRC. This month’s photos show the ‘Saturday morning long row’ which runs from 8am-11am (usually!). This ‘Long Row’ is in preparation for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Rowathon held in September. Members who are considering rowing in this event are endeavouring to get some early kilometres into their legs for this annual event. Check out the website above and join the ‘Saturday morning long row’ group if you are interested. Further information regarding the 2026 RFDS Rowathon will be distributed by the Mildura Wentworth Rowing Clubs shortly.
Monthly club races coincided with a working bee.
From cobwebs in eaves to weeds along the landing and everything in between! Members came together to clean up our boat shed, attend to boat repairs and beautify the surrounding gardens and landing.
Who? What? Where? .. is Dolly?
The original Dolly was a female Finn-Dorset sheep and the first mammal that was cloned from an adult somatic cell. She was cloned by associates of the Roslin Institute in Scotland, using the process of nuclear transfer from a cell taken from a mammary gland. (Trust you have taken all that in - Dolly may turn up in a question at J.B.’s next HRC Trivia Night).
HRC members affectionately named a sheep that was seen in the grounds of a property at the end of ‘Brewery Straight’ after the cloned ‘Dolly’. Our Dolly was moved around the property from time to time, to give authenticity to the life of the sheep. Now Dolly has moved permanently next door to the grassy pastures belonging to Therese, one of our HRC members!
Thus, Club races usually ‘begin at Dolly’. So next time you join the monthly club races expect to see her prominently displayed in her new home !
Here we have Julie Cotchin ensuring Dolly is getting plenty of grass.
. As you can see below there are plenty of opportunities to row at HRC.
〰️ Trivia
〰️ Trivia
J.B’s. Trivia
Q. 1. Name the famous 19th C engineer who designed the Clifton Bridge in Bristol, UK. (Voted 2nd Greatest Britain of all time in a 2019 poll)
Q. 2. What is the name of the dot atop lower case J’s and I’s?
Q. 3. Copenhagen was which famous General’s favourite horse?
Q. 4. Who played Polly in the TV comedy ‘Faulty Towers’?
Q. 5. Who was Australian Prime Minister the last time St. Kilda won a Premiership?
A. 1. Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A. 2. Tittle A. 3. Duke of Wellington. A. 4. Connie Booth (who at the time was John Cleese’s wife) A. 5. Harold Holt.
Brought to you by:
J.B. Stewart.
〰️ The Bridge Hotel
〰️ The Bridge Hotel
The Bridge Hotel
supports Hawthorn Rowing Club through it’s loyalty club.
〰️ YOUTH NEWS
〰️ YOUTH NEWS
Youth News by Archie Critchell
Hawthorn now has a youth performance program of 6 athletes coming back to off season training, lured by medals in the 2026 season in Victoria and at 2026 nationals in Perth. Youth athletes are also looking to nominate for possible state and national representation next year as well.
Hawthorn’s very own u23 Australian team representative Max Currie has written a few paragraphs sharing his experience of his campaign so far.
Today marks exactly three weeks since I arrived in Adelaide to begin my campaign for the Under-23 World Championships in the coxless quad scull. In many ways, it feels like I’ve stepped into a completely different world. Moving away from home, training with people I’d never met before, and adapting to almost double the training load I’ve ever done has been a massive adjustment.
I was definitely optimistic about how much university study I’d be able to keep up with alongside it all. I’m still enrolled in three civil engineering subjects, but with roughly twelve hours each day consumed by training, recovery, travel, food preparation, and trying to stay on top of everything physically, university has had to take a bit of a back seat for now.
The past three weeks have had plenty of ups and downs. We’re trying to build cohesion as a crew in a very high-pressure environment, and the boat hasn’t gone as fast as we’d hoped yet, which means there’s still a huge amount of work to do. We have four more weeks here in Adelaide, followed by another four weeks training in Italy before we compete in Germany. Despite the challenges, I’m confident in the process and in the environment we have around us. I genuinely believe we can build something special.
We’ve been training out of the South Australian Sports Institute, which is an incredible facility. Everything an athlete could need is here — gyms, recovery equipment, hot and cold pools, saunas, massage chairs, kitchens, physiologists, doctors, physiotherapists, and wellbeing staff, all available whenever we need them. More importantly, the people here are deeply committed to the challenge ahead, and there’s a real sense that everyone wants to see how far this team can go.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to become World Champions in the quad.
The quad itself is very different from what I’m used to. Most of my rowing career has been spent training in the single scull, which is a much slower-moving boat where you rely entirely on yourself. The quad is incredibly quick by comparison, and because of that, precision becomes everything. Every movement, every rhythm change, every fraction of timing matters. A tiny mistake from one person can have a huge impact on the speed of the boat and the overall performance. Learning to move as one unit has been one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. It’s also one of the most competitive events at the Under-23 World Championships, which makes the challenge even more exciting.
Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about where this journey started. When you’re immersed in an environment like this, it’s easy to become consumed by daily performance and lose perspective on how special the opportunity really is. I often have to remind myself of the seven years I’ve spent rowing at Hawthorn, the thousands of kilometres up and down the Yarra River, the countless early mornings, training sessions, and regattas that led me here.
I also think about the people who helped make this possible. Coaches, committee members, volunteers, training partners, and club members who simply took the time to say hello, encourage me, or make me feel welcome at the club. Those small moments and contributions mattered more than they probably realised, and they all played a part in helping me reach this point.
Someone asked me recently whether I feel like I’m heading in the right direction. It’s a question I’ve wrestled with for quite a while, but I think I finally have an answer.
Right now, I’m in a position I may never be in again. I have the opportunity to represent my country on the world stage, travel the world, push myself to my limits, and learn invaluable lessons about discipline, resilience, my body, and my mind. I get to meet incredible people, build lifelong friendships, have meaningful conversations, confront my fear of failure, and collect experiences and stories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
So maybe the point isn’t whether this path is “right” forever.
Maybe the point is that this is a rare chapter of life, and one worth embracing fully while I have it.
And for the first time in a long time, I think I’m finally ready to stop worrying so much about whether I’m on the perfect path, and instead just feel grateful and excited to live it.
Max Currie
Off Season
Adam Chang, Dan Stute, Archie Critchell, Jackson Morrish and Davyd Yudko are preparing for time trial season later this year. Throughout the week we row singles and on the weekends row big boats if there isn’t an erg test on. Single sculls are a big focus in the off season as the time trials against the rest of the state are all in singles. We would also like to congratulate Hawthorn and Mercantile member Emile Stigter for being selected for Victoria in the Oceania Teams Championships.
Archie Critchell
Youth Member
〰️ Regatta News
〰️ Regatta News
Regatta News
REGATTAS
Please find the regattas for May/June:
27/5/2026 Wed-Sat 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships hosted by Rowing WA to be held at Champion Lakes. This regatta will be reported on by Mark Oliver in the June Bow Ball.
Please notify Shane and Bill for selection and entry into the regattas as soon as possible!
ROWING DEVELOPMENT
Rowing Development - Saturday is at 2pm (where there are no regattas) and Sunday is at 9am. Make sure you book these at least the night before.
Rowing Development will return on Tuesdays and Thursdays, (5:45pm arrival for 6pm on the water) 6pm - 7:30pm with the return of Daylight Saving.
Make sure you book in prior to 3:30pm on the same day!
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.
〰️ Membership policies
〰️ Membership policies
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:
Please do not leave a boat resting on the canvas as shown above.
Please make sure singles rest on foam/vpiece at one end and the gunnels at the other.
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
〰️ Spotlight
Spotlight on a Member!
Rower and Soprano - Grace Li.
I’ve loved singing since childhood and have a repertoire of thousands of songs in my head. When I joined the Camberwell Chorale, I was intentionally looking for a local choir that would challenge me to sing music different from what I was used to, and help expand my horizons. I found the choir online, attended a trial rehearsal, and loved it immediately. I joined in June 2024.
Since then, I’ve worked very hard to learn the music - day and night, each and every day. So far I have performed Verdi’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and Michael Easton’s Unsung Heroes.
I don’t come from a music background. Most of my career has been in research and development of industrial software products. Growing up in China, there’s a well-known saying: “学好数理化，走遍天下都不怕”— “if you master mathematics, physics, and chemistry, you can go anywhere in the world”. I followed that path, eventually earning a PhD, and it did open global opportunities for me, from New Zealand to the United States and back to China, working as a software developer and later in product management.
That said, if I’d had the same educational opportunities my son has today, I might have studied and pursued a musical career — perhaps as a singer, songwriter, or composer.
Our choir is conducted by Douglas Haywood OAM - well known to people who watch the annual Channel 9 “Carols by Candlelight”. We rehearse on Tuesday nights. If you enjoy singing, come and join us and you will find the same joy that you experience in rowing. We also present four formal concerts each year on Sunday afternoons at the Hawthorn Arts Centre.
If you’re not rowing, it’s a good alternative to attend our concert. Our upcoming concerts include Nonsense Songs in August, Mendelssohn’s Elijah in October, and Handel’s Messiah in late November.
Grace Li
Soprano and Rower.
〰️ Roaming Rowers
〰️ Roaming Rowers
Roaming Rowers- Wellington Masters!
Wellington Masters Visit for ANZAC Weekend
Ten Wellington Rowing Club Masters Women were honoured to spend ANZAC Weekend with Hawthorn Rowing Club — a visit that felt less like a trip abroad and more like reconnecting with old friends we simply hadn’t met yet.
From the moment we arrived, your club wrapped us in genuine hospitality. Boats appeared, line‑ups were sorted with good humour, and the Yarra quickly became a river we felt at home on. Across three rows — including your ANZAC 3K Time Trial — we were reminded of how easily rowing brings people together, even across oceans.
What will stay with us longest is the ANZAC service beside your First World War memorial. Standing there as visiting rowers, honouring young men who once rowed the same stretch of river, was quietly profound. The Last Post echoing across the club, the shared silence, the sense of lineage. It was a moment that reached well beyond sport. Your willingness to include us in that tradition is something we will carry with us.
Our final row on Monday, complete with dolphins weaving through the Yarra, felt like the river’s own farewell — a small reminder of why we row, and why these exchanges matter.
To everyone at Hawthorn: thank you for the warmth, the welcome, the racing, and the chance to share in a piece of your club’s history. We look forward to the day you cross the Tasman and let us return the hospitality in Wellington.
Lest we forget.
Wellington Rowing Club Masters Women
〰️ 150 Years of HRC 2027
〰️ 150 Years of HRC 2027
Tales of Y’Oar.
Tales from HRC archives that have morphed into legends.
THE DAY THE FOUR BROKE IN HALF.
Roger Gillespie. OAM.
It was a cold winter day August/September 1995 or so. The river was in flood and flowing swiftly. Not flooded enough to prevent us from launching via the old landing.
Two sweep oared fours departed at the usual time just before 7 am, it was either Tuesday or Thursday. I was in the first boat to get away. We had a fast run to Wallan Rd bridge.
Our boat got through the bridge without incidence. The second boat was swept sideways by the current from the drain just north of the bridge. The boat collided with the eastern pylon and instantly broke in half. Our boat was probably about 100 metres ahead at that time. We immediately stopped to assist, but there was little we could do to help.
Four of the crew of the broken boat swam to the Leonda landing and were assisted by walkers out of the river. This group consisted of Frank Denis, Dr Ian Jackson, two others.
On the other side of the river was Denis Creasy trying to reach the bank while trying to rescue half the boat and an hour. He was making little progress against the fast-flowing river. Denis was really struggling and getting increasingly pale in the face
At the same time, I looked over and saw Leo Blake running along the river track. He could not see Denis, I called to Leo to help Denis out of the river, Leo scrambled down the steep wet bank and helped Denis who was still holding his oar.
Leo walked back to the shed with Denis on the west bank while the other four walked with oars and bare feet back to the shed, through the back streets.
We quickly turned around and rowed back. John Campbell was on the landing when we returned. He questioned why we were back so soon. We told him about the accident.
Next minute we looked up the hill to see the four sodden rowers returning on foot, smiling, and joking about their ordeal.
John Campbell quickly launched a tinny and went after the two pieces of boat and any missing oars. John found the broken pieces of boat brought them back. The boat was repaired and put back into service a short time later.
Roger Gillespie from recollection May 18th 2026.
PS if anyone can enhance the story with the names missing or any other facts please do so.
2025 Head of the Yarra Sponsors
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Next month….
Regattas:
3/9/2026Thu-Sun2026 Australian Beach Sprints ChampionshipsRowing Australia North Kirra Beach, QLD Beach Sprints