September 2026 Bow Ball Bulletin
Hawthorn Rowing Club’s Head of the Yarra
28th November. HRC NEEDS YOU!
HRC NEEDS YOU!!
The Head of the Yarra 8s Regatta is the annual fundraiser for Hawthorn Rowing Club. This is how we generate funds for new boats and other club expenses.
We need all club members to help out, either on the day or prior to the event. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will be provided with lunch on the day.
Below is a list of volunteer roles.
Please reply to this call out and let me know your preferred role. Below is a list of roles to choose from.
Bar staff - must have Responsible Serving of Alcohol certification
Landing/ Guiding boats - help crews off the water/ walk crews up to the racking area (this year, volunteers on the landing will do a mix of boat landing assistance and walking)
Umpires - monitor various locations along the river
Soft drink stall - sell soft drinks
Pack up crew - pack up tents, put away signs, picking up rubbish at the end of the day - either city end 2.30pm, or Hawthorn end 4.00pm, or both!
Start hub city - assist with traffic management, merchandise stall, staging marshalls
Set up crew - put signs out at Hawthorn Rowing Club, accompany trailer to city start hub with tent and bins early Sat morning, set up tent
Boat Parking supervision - monitor the boat trailer parking in Creswick St and ensure crews do not crowd the area or move trailers prior to departure time
Social media - create and post content on the day for HOTY social media (e.g., interview people)
T-Shirt distribution - hand out T-shirt packs to crews on the day
Racks - direct crews to appropriate boat placements on the racks post-race (most suited to tall strong people as some crews may need assistance with lifting)
We also have pre-event roles so if you are unavailable on the 28th, please let me know and I can offer other volunteer opportunities!
If there is any other assistance you can provide, or if you have any questions, please contact me.
Many thanks,
Natasha Kinsman
Volunteers Coordinator
Head of the Yarra Committee
Hawthorn Rowing Club
Rowers Abroad!
〰️
Rowers Abroad! 〰️
Bled, Slovenia the World Masters Championships!
Robyn Blake, Julie Cotchin, Pat Freeland-Small, Frances Graham, Jennifer Hall, Brian Healy, Bill Olayos, Louise Olayos, Mark Oliver, Ruth Oliver, Fiona Richardson, John B. Stewart and Jen Wheelahan.
Click on Mark Oliver and Ruth Oliver’s names above for a short video of their winning race!
This September, thirteen rowers from HRC made the long journey to Lake Bled for the World Masters Rowing Championships.
And if you’re going to suffer for your sport, there are certainly worse places to do it.
Bled is in north-west Slovenia, in the Julian Alps, about 475 metres above sea level. The lake is just over 2 km long and 1 km wide and is a bucket-list destination for rowers around the world, not only because of its sheer beauty but also because of its excellent rowing facilities.
What makes it particularly special is that, rather than rowing at a purpose-built venue, you’re racing right in the middle of one of Europe’s most picturesque tourist destinations. There’s a medieval castle perched high on the cliffs, a tiny island with its own church in the middle of the lake, crystal-clear water, mountains, bike paths and cafés everywhere. All rather difficult to ignore when you’re supposed to be concentrating on racing.
As we usually do for these events, we arrived a couple of days early to register, familiarise ourselves with the regatta layout and find Swift, the company supplying most of our boats. Some of us also hired boats so we could have a practice row and familiarise ourselves with the course before racing began.
More than 4,700 athletes from 51 countries descended on Bled, competing in 981 races and occupying more than 20,000 racing seats. It became the largest rowing regatta ever staged. The oldest female competitor was 91 and the oldest male 92, with 110 athletes aged over 80 - which certainly bodes well for the rest of us!
For five days, Bled effectively became one enormous international rowing village.
Four seasons in five days
We had all been looking forward to racing on a course famous for having no significant current, very little chop, relatively consistent conditions and plenty of natural protection from the surrounding terrain.
Unfortunately, nobody had briefed the weather.
Day one lulled us into a false sense of security with blue skies, sunshine and calm water as the fours and singles got under way. Day two was somewhat different.
We woke to grey skies and rain. Then more rain. Then the temperature dropped, and there was even more rain. It continued relentlessly for two days.
The men’s four are still yet to compensate me for coxing them in pouring rain. They did a great job, but I finished the race soaked to my underwear!
By the end of the second wet day, I think most of us had worked our way through every piece of HRC clothing we owned. The return of sunshine for the weekend was very welcome - and gave us all a chance to dry out.
Despite the beautiful surroundings and holiday atmosphere, we were there to race…
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that training throughout winter and being physically prepared is only half the battle. As anyone who races knows, on race day anything can go wrong. Add unfamiliar hire boats, long walks to the launching pontoons, thousands of other competitors, tight turnaround times and a regatta site the size of a small village, and things can come unstuck very quickly.
Some of the challenges we had included - finding out immediately before one race that our boat had been double-booked resulting in a frantic dash to another hire company, a hurried setup and a race to the start line feeling frazzled, and not looking as serene as we’d like to have looked to our opposition.
Then there were shoes detached from their housing on the way to the start, and steering systems that had been fixed with a permanent shift to stroke side.
Our WG4X provided perhaps the best example. With faulty steering, we came perilously close to abandoning the racecourse altogether and taking an unscheduled sightseeing trip to Bled Island.
Much more than racing
That unpredictability is also part of what makes the World Masters such a fantastic experience. It’s an opportunity not only to row competitively, but also to meet and connect with rowers from all over the world who are every bit as obsessed with the sport as we are.
The Brazilians were particularly memorable, celebrating every medal with enough enthusiasm to ensure most of Slovenia knew about it. Between races, there were conversations with crews from everywhere, including fellow Australians from Cairns, Perth and Sydney - all huge Head of the Yarra fans and keen to explore the possibility of forming composite crews at future world events.
This year, some of the women from Yarra Yarra needed extra rowers to make up an eight and invited some of our women to join them. It was great fun sharing the experience and being part of the camaraderie that makes Masters rowing - and these international events in particular, so special.
And the results
Everyone put in some terrific performances, including personal bests and plenty of results to be proud of. Against international fields and full eight-boat courses, HRC crews recorded 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places, as well as a gold medal, which was particularly special.
There were highs, lows, rain, sunshine, missing boats, loose shoes, rogue steering and at least one near visit to a Slovenian tourist attraction mid-race.
But with more than 4,700 athletes from 51 countries competing at the largest rowing regatta ever staged, HRC certainly made its presence felt.
And perhaps the best news of all -
With people still racing at 91 and 92, we apparently have plenty more World Masters ahead of us!
Ruth Oliver
HRC Member
But wait! There’s more…..
Brian Healy, Bill Olayos, Pat Freeland-Small and J.B. Stewart.
Brian Healy writes…
After 60+ year in rowing, I always wanted to race at Lake Bled.
It was my good luck joining the Hawthorn team only a few months ago.
The support from all at Hawthorn has been fantastic, I feel like I’ve been here for years.
Even the extra special help with my challenging shoe size .
Bled was amazing , it’s hard to believe they organise 4,700 rowers from around the world, with races every 3 minutes.
It’s very special when the starter calls your crew “ Australia”.
My first race ever in a double scull with Mark , was great, no Gold , however next time with a straight rudder anything’s possible.
Our best time in MG 4- in very wet conditions, places us well for future races in Australia.
Our four kept training even after the race ,Pat, JB , Bill and me with our new coach, Slijivovica.
MIX 8 on the last day was a great row and fantastic way to finish the regatta.
Looking forward to our next chapter, May 2027 Aust Championships, and hopefully Italy next year.
Thankyou Hawthorn for making me feel so welcome.
Postscript:
“Extra man in the boat at Bled!”
My rowing partner of 60 years ago John Atkins wanted to race at Bled this year. Unfortunately he passed away late last year. With his family’s approval John’s 1970s top was under my Hawthorn colours for all my races, so he was there in spirit.
Brian Healy
HRC Member.
~~The President's Desk ~~
~~The President's Desk ~~
From the President’s Desk
Daylight saving is upon us this weekend, please take note of the changes to our weekly Rowing Schedule.
Bill Olayos,
HRC President.
Social, Training, Learning and Returning to Row Calendar!
Join Social Rows by adding yourself to the WhatsApp group!
Happy faces having a fantastic row!
Members hobbies!
〰️
Members hobbies! 〰️
Members and their cars.
1959 MGA
An Interview with Anthony Davie.
The Car's History and Story
How did you find this car?
This is the third MG that I have owned over the years. The first was a 1972 MGB that I bought in 1992 and sold in 1996, the second was a MGF bought new in 1995 and sold in 2010. My wife and I have always loved the MGA model car so when we saw this one for sale in Glen Iris in January 2026, we jumped at and bought it.
What year and model is it?
The car is a 1959 MGA 1600 Mark 1. The colour is not a factory original colour. It is Aston Martin Champagne Beige.
What is the history of this car before you bought it?
I don’t have all the history, but the car was restored to its current condition and colour in 2012.
It was upgraded in the 1980’s to a MGB 1800cc engine, replacing the original MGA 1600cc engine.
Restoration and Care
What condition was the car in when you got it?
The car was in good condition when we bought it. The exterior paintwork and soft top were in very good condition and while it drove well when we bought it, had not been driven very regularly. I had it serviced and upgraded as needed by MG Workshops at Mulgrave, who did a great job. The car runs very well now with no problems starting and doesn’t have any oil leaks!
How do you keep it safe and clean today?
Of course, it is garaged every night and washed weekly. It has a lot of chrome parts, so I polish these parts every month. As it also has the classic chrome wire spoked wheels, I remove all four wheels every three months or so to give them a thorough clean and polish particularly on the inside of the rims that are hard to reach when just cleaning from the outside.
Driving and Memories
Where is your favourite place to drive this car?
We are really enjoyed day trips in the car to regions that are 1-2 hours from Melbourne. Place such as the Yarra Valley, Mount Macedon, Daylesford, Geelong and Red Hill. We look to avoid motorways and toll roads and actively seek out the C roads for these drives. There are so many lovely roads, places and scenery to see when you do it this way. The only hassle has been the potholes, which can be really destructive for a small car like this.
How does it feel to drive it on the road?
These days with the big, automatic cars that we have all become used to it requires a very different driving style to drive the MGA. With a 4-speed gear box with no synchro on 1st gear, and disc brakes up front but drum brakes on the rear, you really have to anticipate what the traffic is doing and what you are coming up to at least 800m out. Once on the open road it is amazing how well it drives at 80 or100kph. The car handles well as it low to ground and has no stress at these speeds. The biggest challenges has been the wind turbulence in the cockpit when the roof is down!
Do people wave or look at you when you drive by?
We have not done a drive yet where we haven’t received comments, thumbs up, or dad’s cruising beside us so their children can have a look. People are very interested to see the car and the year is the most asked question.
What is your favourite piece of music you play while driving your car?
‘Born to be Wild’ by Steppenwolf.
Can you relate any funny stories or incidents/dramas relating to the car?
Even though it’s the third MG that we have owned, this is the first one that we have joined the MG Car Club with. The MG Car Club of Victoria is the largest of any car club in Australia, not just MG’s but any make of car. As a result, it is a very active and welcoming club with an enormous amount of history and knowledge. When we attended our first event with the club, there were members that knew more about the history of my car than I did, even though they had never owned it. It was fantastic to learn more about it.
〰️ Member of the Month
〰️ Member of the Month
Member of the Month - September.
Dimitrios Beroukas
Dimitrios joined HRC in 2017 and right from the start he was very enthusiastic about rowing. Initially, Dimitrios started in a 4 or 8 usually No. 2 seat. Then quickly graduated to stroke of a combined 8 in the 10K Brisbane Head where we won a Bronze medal. We all were so happy celebrating at the Regatta Hotel afterwards you would be forgiven for thinking we had won it!
In 2019 we attended the Australian Masters at Championship Lakes in Perth representing HRC in double sculls. We gained plenty of experience. It was an opportunity to tour around Perth and Fremantle. Dimitrios also competed at Nagambie Victoria Masters regatta, Melbourne Head and Barwon and lots of others. Not a lot of medals but lots of fun. Dimitrios is also the Auditor of the club which is greatly appreciated. He has made friends with most members and is happy to assist when required!
Congratulations Dimitrios for being our Member of the Month - September, your support of the Club and friendship is greatly appreciated.
by Alan Purton.
〰️ HOTY HISTORY 〰️ HOTY HISTORY
〰️ HOTY HISTORY 〰️ HOTY HISTORY
HOTY History
Head of the Yarra - 28th November 2026.
Our own Iconic rowing event!
Head of the Yarra 2026!
Excitement and nervousness are building as the Head of the Yarra 2026 event rapidly approaches. Competitors are training hard, and the volunteers at Hawthorn Rowing Club are readying themselves for the coming onslaught!
The Head of the Yarra is a truly iconic event in the Australian rowing calendar and has the widest participant catchment of any annual national rowing event. It is the largest VIIIs-only head race in the southern hemisphere and is much loved (and revered) by the Antipodean rowing community. Rowers of all abilities (elite to masters), regard the event with genuine affection.
The Head of the Yarra is all the more remarkable because it is staged entirely by volunteers. As we approach the 70thAnniversary of the first Head of the Yarra, the Club can reflect with pride upon its significant historical contribution to Australian rowing.
The event is one of the principal sources of funds for Hawthorn Rowing Club and is fundamental to delivering on the Club vision of providing rowing amenities to the broader community.
Planning for each Head of the Yarra race is a twelve-month process undertaken by a passionate and dedicated team that strives for continuous event improvement. In addition to the Club volunteers, the event is heavily reliant on the commitment and generosity of the event sponsors and supporters, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions.
The Head of the Yarra is coming under increasing pressure from competing rowing events and the aspirations of Rowing Victoria to create an annual river festival in the City of Melbourne. Our event needs to respond by evolving and innovating to maintain its elevated status and relevance amongst the rowing community.
Therefore, with some expert assistance, we are about to embark on the preparation of a 5-year plan to guide the future delivery of the Head of the Yarra. The aim will be to continue to develop the event and to seek to improve the returns, whilst protecting Hawthorn Rowing Club’s interests.
The 5-year plan will be informed by the event’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints as well as the Club’s own 5-year plan and Rowing Victoria’s development strategy.
Whilst wanting the event to grow, we acknowledge the constraints relating to boat storage, equipment availability (for overseas and interstate crews) and the volunteer-run nature of the race.
Over the years there has been a change in the composition of crew entries with a significant decline in the number of school-age race participants, and we are keen to reverse this trend. These rowers are the future of our sport and many of the current race participants first rowed the Head of the Yarra when at school.
Through discussion with Rowing Victoria, we believe that with appropriate support from State Govt and relevant sporting bodies there may be opportunities to attract further participation from overseas elite crews, clubs and universities.
This is work for the future.
In the meantime, we are looking forward to HOTY26.
It will be a huge day for rowers and volunteers alike, but the smiles, camaraderie and atmosphere are very difficult to beat. It’s a great opportunity for volunteers to give-back to their Club and to make a significant contribution to the sport that we all love.
Simon Watts
on behalf of:
Rob Perkins
Chair, Head of the Yarra Committee 2026
rob@perkinsgroup.com.au
tel 0411 402 832
HOTY Merchandise
〰️
HOTY Merchandise 〰️
Head of the Yarra Merchandise!
Click on the image below to take you to Pontoon Sports where you will find more HOTY merchandise.
2026 Head of the Yarra Sponsors
Click the sponsorship panel below to go to HOTY sponsor’s websites.
〰️ Community Sponsor
〰️ Community Sponsor
Thank you to our Our Community Sponsor - Bendigo Bank
Hawthorn Rowing Club would like to thank Bendigo Bank for their support. Frances Graham, our Secretary applied to the Community Bank Inner East - Community Investment Program and secured a $2,500 grant.
Please contact Kate Bellamy for all your banking needs. M: 0478 435 736
RFDS Rowathon
〰️
RFDS Rowathon 〰️
Royal Flying Doctor Service Rowathon
September 12th.
Some of the RFDS squad and special support from baby Frances!
HRC sent a three boat contingent to conquer the 76km, 33rd Flying Doctor Rowathon on Saturday 12 September. With promises of a glorious day and easy rowing ( I am not sure they considered the challenge of rowing up the Murray River) we set off in the chilly dawn above Pomona heading down stream 24km to scones, jam and cream (a highlight of the event). Two of the crews jumped back to row the 20km to Wentworth, while the third crew swapped out to ensure ‘composure’ for the final leg row ‘up the Murray’.
Blue and white stripes stormed to the Wentworth boathouse … some feeling worse for wear, with cramps, sore bums and blistered hands beginning to feature! Lunch in the sun and then back to it for the final 20+km. It felt like forever getting to the turn around point on Murray – some of us had to ‘jump ship’. But no names will be mentioned.
WE all flew back – the benefits of the current and flow of the Murray downstream and even had the energy to ‘race’ the last 1km.
HRC came second in the fundraising registering $5,938 of the total $51,350.49. Thanks to all who supported us. Mark Campbell, John Lake, James Thomas and Eve Williamson won the Fastest Crew over two legs. Congratulations to them, amazing achievement.
What a wonderful weekend we had and all for a good cause. Thanks to everyone who participated. All the hard work over winter paid off and sets up ready for the upcoming rowing season.
Dominique Horn.
〰️ Trivia
〰️ Trivia
J.B’s. Trivia
Q. 1. What is the name of Ireland’s National airline?
Q. 2. Who’s voice was Mortimer (pre Mickey) Mouse in the original cartoons?
Q. 3. In a famous speech at Westminster College in Fulton Missouri in 1946, what did Winston Churchill declare had ‘descended from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic’?
Q. 4. How many countries in world begin with ‘Q’?
Q. 5. Ticketmaster and Ticketek’s domination of event ticketing is called a what?
A. 1. Aer Lingus. A. 2. Walt Disney. A. 3. An Iron Curtain. A. 4. I. Qatar. A. 5. A Duopoly.
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.
〰️ Regatta News
〰️ Regatta News
Regatta News
Saltwater Challenge, Maribyrnong River hosted by Essendon RC.
Congratulations to our Rowing Victoria Awards Finalists.
Rowing Victoria Annual Awards finalists: Julie-ann Cotchin, Robyn Blake, Guy Besley, Tristan Krstevski, Hawthorn Rowing Club (Masters Club Premiership)
Masters Club Premiership - Top Three: Hawthorn Rowing Club
Rowing Victoria Coach of the Year finalist: Tristan Krstevski.
Female Masters Rower of the Year Finalist: Julie-ann Cotchin.
Female Coxswain of the Year Finalist: Robyn Blake.
Male Coxswain of the Year Finalist: Guy Besley.
ROWING DEVELOPMENT
Rowing Development - Saturday is at 2pm (when there are no regattas) and Sunday is at 9am. Make sure you book these at least the night before.
Rowing Development will return on Mondays and Wednesdays, (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 Krstevski.
Club Captain.
〰️ Membership policies
〰️ Membership policies
Ouch, bumped again!
Boat damage reporting. Please notify Tristan ASAP or you could be liable for the full damage of the boat. captain@hawthornrowingclub.com.
Please be careful when you carry boats and equipment to and from the shed, move the racks gently and walk slowly.
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 Krstevski.
〰️ Spotlight
〰️ Spotlight
Spotlight on Two Members.
Our first year at HRC!
by Miho Yoneyama and Suzie Rogers.
Miho and I started off as parents of rowers. We learnt the gist of what a regatta is and how many people can row in a boat, whilst cheering from the sidelines, never thinking that we would one day become rowers ourselves. But last year, our daughters’ school offered parents a chance to Learn to Row in an Octo - with the optimistic goal of participating in the RFDS 70 km Rowathon at conclusion of a 12 week program. In the privacy of darkness on winter nights and mornings, we began to not only learn the process of rowing (arms, body, legs, legs, body arms) but also the language of rowing. Sometimes my brain was so addled with the mental effort of trying to coordinate it all I could barely drive home - such is learning to row after the age of 40!
Having completed the Learn to Row program, we had a fantastic time at the RFDS rowathon, where we met some of the HRC crews. They were friendly and seemed like good fun. Jame Robinson, our coach and HRC Archie’s mum, encouraged us to join HRC to continue our rowing journey. So with spirits soaring after the Rowathon, Miho and I, together with Fiona T and Chris A, joined HRC and leapt straight into the HRC Rowing Development sessions.
Miho and I signed up for the next regatta with HRC - the Bendigo sprint. With our new striped tops, our enthusiasm was not dampened by the stark difference of rowing 50km at a leisurely pace to racing 500m! It was perhaps dampened a little when we fell into the lake while disembarking - giving me a scar that marks the first time I raced for HRC.
Suzie and Miho take an involuntary swim and still come up smiling!!
After a few more months of rowing, Miho and I were feeling confident (or foolhardly?!) enough to get in a single for the first time and give winter sculling a crack. Other HRC scullers were very encouraging and they provided us with amazing support in navigating the season as novices. It was a great way to keep rowing through winter and learn more about rowing and the club every week and we recommend it to everyone! It was made all the more special by winning some medals and trophies for HRC (the novice field is very small - so the odds were in our favour!)
Suzie winner of the Albert Park Grand Prix and Scullers Head of the Yarra.
Miho winner of the Ramsbottom Trophy.
And now our second regatta season is upon us. We love the adventure of trying new things and on Saturday we will be racing in a double for the first time in a 4km race along the Barwon.
While we still get a few names muddled, it has been fantastic to meet so many of the club members over the last year. It’s a terrific community of people of all ages, all trying to perfect 1000 different things at once while rowing down our beautiful Yarra.
Miho Yoneyama and Suzie Rogers.
〰️ Roaming Rowers
〰️ Roaming Rowers
Our Roaming Rower.
Jodie Byass.
After months of training, I left for Peru feeling slightly underprepared but incredibly excited to tick a few things off my bucket list.
Seeking a little more comfort than sleeping in a tent, I chose a different route to Machu Picchu: a trek through the Andes via the Salkantay Pass, at around 4,600 metres above sea level. Little did I know the journey would become as much of a highlight as the destination.
Over six days, we walked over 130 kilometres through snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, high alpine passes and seemingly endless valleys. The scale of the landscape was difficult to describe and unlike anything in Australia.
But the trek wasn’t just about the mountains. As we descended, the landscape changed, taking us through coffee, banana, and avocado plantations and an incredible variety of fruit. Travelling on foot gave us time to appreciate these changes rather than simply passing through them.
Our guide also shared the history, stories and traditions of the Incas as we walked through the landscape where so much of that history took place. That deeper connection between the land, the people and their history gave me an appreciation I don’t think I could have gained from a shorter visit to Machu Picchu alone.
At 4,600 metres, you quickly discover that all those hours of cardio training do not necessarily impress the Andes. There were moments when simply walking slowly uphill felt considerably harder than it should have.
Eventually, we made it to Machu Picchu. Walking through the Sun Gate as the clouds cleared and the sun appeared over the ruins was one of those rare travel moments that completely lives up to expectations. Goosebumps, relief, exhaustion and an enormous sense of achievement—all at once.
But, surprisingly, when I think back on Peru, it is the days spent hiking through the mountains that I keep returning to.
From Peru, we travelled on to Bolivia for another bucket-list experience: the Uyuni Salt Flats and a three-day 4WD journey through the high-altitude desert.
This time, we reached almost 4,800 metres—thankfully, with considerably less walking involved.
It is hard to comprehend how much you can see in three days: vast white salt flats that play tricks with your perception; an island covered in giant cacti; snow-capped volcanoes; hotels built from salt bricks; pink flamingos standing in red and green lakes; and alpacas, deserts and moon like landscapes that seemed to change completely every few hours.
After days of mountains, kilometres of hiking, some very thin air and more than a few bucket-list moments, I returned with tired legs, thousands of photos and a very full cup.
Our Roaming Rower,
Jodie Byass.
〰️ 150 Years of HRC 2027
〰️ 150 Years of HRC 2027
Tales of Y’Oar.
From Wonga Park to Princes Bridge.
Con Tolios.
Con is a member of several clubs and has found a series of photos on the wall at the Fairfield Canoe Club. The photos tell a tale of an epic canoe race from Wonga Park to Princes Bridge with Hawthorn Rowing Club playing a major role in the race! Read on to find out more…
Here is the script from the picture below with special thanks to Jonathan Mayne.
Jim Simpson and I paddled from Wonga Park to Princes Bridge. I forget how long it took but we came second by 1 second. How did that happen you might ask?
We had come down through all the rapids, passed the club(FCC) and portaged around Dight’s Falls. This photo is a newspaper shot of us coming though the rough water below the falls just above Johnston Street bridge.
Ralph Brown was supporting us and from the footbridge upstream of Hawthorn Bridge. Brownie yelled out; “The bar at the Hawthorn Rowing Club is open”.
It was a hot day and we were so far in front we thought, “we're good”, so we ran the boat up onto the Hawthorn landing, dived into their bar and downed a beer. Simmo said, “I could use another”.
Like the first, the second barely touched the sides. We paid and were back in the canoe in a flash. Just as Peter White and Max Howgate came into sight. It must have got their adrenaline up as they closed the gap on us, but we wouldn’t give up.
We held our lead almost to the finish. In the run to the line at Princes Bridge they were on the city side and we were skirting along the edge, just off the boat shed landing. With just metres to go a large ferry passed between us and the wake picked us up and dumped us high and dry on the landing, a length short of the finish while Peter and Max claimed the honours.
You know that there is no “if”, but ‘if’ we hadn’t stayed for that second beer I think we could have won that race.
Epilogue.
Jonathan’s paddling partner, the aforementioned and much maligned Jim Simpson, was of the strong opinion that he was far too competitive a paddler to have even considered taking one beer during a race, let along the fabled “second at Hawthorn Rowing Club”! Where’re the truth might lie; it would seem true that Jim and Jonathan did come second in this heroic race from Wonga Park to Princes’s Bridge.
Thanks to HRC member, Con Tolios bringing to light …if we hadn’t stayed for that second beer….(at HRC!)
What's on next month.
〰️
What's on next month. 〰️
Monthly Roundup
Next month….
Regattas: October.
10/10/2026 (Sat): NTT #1 (Rowing Victoria) — NWSC Bangholme [National Time Trial]
17/10/2026 (Sat): 2026 Gippsland Grammar Sale Head Race (Gippsland Grammar) — Thomson River, Sale [Head Race]
17/10/2026 (Sat): 2026 Kieser Bendigo Sprint Regatta (Bendigo) — Lake Weeroona [REGIONAL: Grade & Masters]
18/10/2026 (Sun): RV Beach Sprints (Rowing Victoria) — Eastern Beach [Beach Sprints]
24/10/2026 (Sat): 2026 RV Schoolgirls & Schoolboys Regatta (Rowing Victoria) — Barwon River, Barwon Terrace [FSCH/MSCH: Y8|Y9|Open]
24/10/2026 (Sat): 2026 Foot of the Goulburn (Nagambie) — Goulburn River, Nagambie [Head Race]
24/10/2026 (Sat–Mon): 2026 Rowing Australia Coaches Conference (Rowing Australia) — Sharks Event Centre, Gold Coast [Conference]
24/10/2026 (Sat–Sun): 2026 Australian Indoor Rowing Championships (Rowing Australia) — Various [Indoor]
31/10/2026 (Sat–Sun): 2026 MRA Rutherglen Regatta (Rutherglen Lake) — Lake Moodemere [REGIONAL: Club, Grade & Masters]