2021-11-27 was the Victoria “eights challenge” to replace the Head of the Yarra this year as Melbourne & Australia emerge from covid restrictions. It was very fast racing conditions with high tide, fast water, and a strong tailwind down the course from Powerhouse to the Judges box. A blustery, sunny day for racing.
Testosterone was running high in the pileup of long boats in the narrow above Big Bend getting the 60’s bow numbers sorted from the 40’s.
It was the last of the D grade eight racing with the new Rowing Victoria grade change. The powerwashing happening at the front of MRC’s renovation was a lowlight, Kathy doling out gummy worms after the race was definitely a highlight.
Richmond vs. Richmond in the MD8+:
Cox: Derek Begg
Jack Hellerstedt
Pavel Oborin
Ben Wardle
John Carey
Michael Gehling
Jon Roberts
Allan Randall
Kim Begelhole
First place, 11:23.29
Cox: Kathy Macrow
Dennis Beck
Leigh McKee
Alex Pupko
Tim Gruner
Richie Healy
Ryan Simmons
Keith Wong
Redmond Skelton
Second place, 12:15.06
Women’s C8+
Cox: Mike Numa
Kate Dyball
Karen Doggett
Chelsea Crouser
Kirsty Fergie
Lily Innes-Irons
Zoe Maxwell
Michelle Joy
Alex Huang
3rd place, 11:42.5
Richmond were also represented in the masters, with Ray Dennis rowing with Banks in the MMI+ (1st place, 15:08.85) and our own president Gerry Goss rowing in a multi -club composite in the FMF+ (1st place, 13:33.7).
The fastest time down the course was the men’s open eight Mercs/ Sydney composite with a blistering 9:15.32 aided by a pair of ex-Olympians in 7&8.