2025-11-15 Melbourne Head Regatta

The Richmond Rowing Club delivered a strong performance at the Melbourne Head Regatta, showcasing depth across multiple categories and securing several podium finishes. While some crews faced tough competition, the club demonstrated resilience and skill on the Yarra River.

Standout Performances

F2x Melbourne Head 2025
Kate and Helen in the FO2x. Credit: Boathouse Drive

The day began promisingly for Richmond with a 3rd place finish in the Female Open Double Scull (FO2X), where Kate Dyball and Helen Pearce clocked an impressive 13:47.09. This same duo returned later to claim another bronze medal in the Female Club Double Scull (FClub2X), finishing in 13:55.86.

In the women’s eights category, Richmond athletes played key roles in two dominant composite crews. The Female Masters Eight (FM8+), featuring Richmond members K. Dyball, G. Goss, H. Pearce, and S. Lincoln as coxswain, stormed to 1st place with a commanding time of 12:46.24. Similarly, Richmond rowers contributed to victory in the Female Masters Coxed/Coxless Quad Scull (FM4X+/-), which also finished 1st, recording a time of 13:05.42.

F8+ Melbourne Head 2025
FClub8+ Credit: Boathouse Drive

The Female Club Eight (FClub8+) put in a powerful effort, securing 3rd place with a time of 12:59.83, demonstrating excellent teamwork and endurance.

Competitive Efforts Across Events

X8+ Melbourne Head 2025
X8+ Credit: Boathouse Drive
M1x Melbourne Head 2025
Emil MLW1x Credit: Boathouse Drive

The Mixed Eight (X8+) delivered a solid performance, finishing 5th with a time of 12:47.52. In the Male Lightweight Single Scull (MLW1X), E. Limansyah showed determination to place 5th with a time of 15:25.59.

Veteran rowers from Richmond also made their mark in masters events. V. Mar and L. Roberts-Bailey achieved a 3rd place finish in the Female Masters Double Scull (FM2X), crossing the line in 15:12.55. The Male Masters Four (MM4+/-), coxed by J. Burkett, placed 5th with a time of 13:27.53.

Challenges and Development Opportunities

While the Male Club Double Scull (MClub2X) and the Male Club Coxed Quad Scull (MClub4X+) both recorded 9th place finishes with times of 14:41.85 and 12:51.64 respectively, these results highlight areas for development and growth within the men’s club categories. The Female Club Coxed Four (FClub4+) faced a competitive field, ultimately placing 13th with a time of 14:02.93.

A Richmond-affiliated Parent & Child Double Scull (PC2X), with R. Dennis representing the club, finished 6th in their event.

Final Thoughts

F8+ Melbourne Head 2025

Overall, Richmond Rowing Club can be proud of its showing at the Melbourne Head Regatta. With multiple top-three finishes and strong representation across open, club, and masters categories, the club continues to build momentum. The performances of key athletes like Dyball, Pearce, Lincoln, and Limansyah underscore the depth of talent within the squad as they look ahead to future challenges on the water.

CrewEventPlaceTime
K.Dyball, H.PearceFemale Open Double Scull (FO2X)3rd13:47.09
K.Dyball, H.PearceFemale Club Double Scull (FClub2X)3rd13:55.86
L.Walsh, V.Mar, L.Innes-Irons, L.Roberts-Bailey, B.Rosenberg, S.Moffett, L.Meagher, A.Catlin, Cox: S.LincolnFemale Club Eight (FClub8+)3rd12:59.83
V.Mar, L.Roberts-BaileyFemale Masters Double Scull (FM2X)3rd15:12.55
E.LimansyahMale Lightweight Single Scull (MLW1X)5th15:25.59
V.Salazar, E.Mouthaan, K.Davids, R.Skelton, S.Mallow, P.Oborin, J.Hellerstedt, E.Higgins, Cox: J.BurkettMixed Eight (X8+)5th12:47.52
E.Limansyah, P.Oborin, V.Salazar, A.Blackwell, Cox: J.BurkettMale Masters Four (MM4+/-)5th13:27.53
A.Blackwell, O.Brajkovic, M.Webber, E.Limansyah, Cox: J.BurkettMale Club Coxed Quad Scull (MClub4X+)9th12:51.64
M.Webber, O.BrajkovicMale Club Double Scull (MClub2X)9th14:41.85
K.Davids, L.Innes-Irons, S.Moffett, A.Catlin, Cox: S.LincolnFemale Club Coxed Four (FClub4+)13th14:02.93

Seeking Head Coach and Stroke Coach

We are recruiting a Head Coach to help lead our community-focused club, fostering an environment of engagement, learning, and fun. Working closely with the Head of Rowing, the Head Coach role is responsible for designing and implementing a training program – suitable for competitive rowers from beginner through to masters – that encourages participation, growth, and camaraderie within the club.

We are also accepting applications for casual stroke coaches to join the coaching team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills further or for experienced coaches to share their wisdom for a few hours a week.

For more information about either role, check out the Job Descriptions.
To apply, please email [email protected].

Seeking Casual Rowing Coach – Richmond Rowing Club 

Richmond Rowing Club is a community rowing club that strives to provide opportunities to participate,  develop and compete in a friendly and inclusive community on and off water.  

The role 

Richmond Rowing Club has enjoyed regular appearances and success at Vic State Championships and  Australian National Masters Championships.  

We have opportunities available for enthusiastic and experienced Rowing Coaches to work with our Senior Program. You will work closely with the Head of Rowing Michael Hedger and Head Coach William Golding, to coach, mentor and develop the club rowing program.  

Our coaches play a critical part in ensuring that our program is delivered in a professional manner whilst role modeling the behavior and standards expected of Richmond Rowing Club.

About You 

To be considered for a rowing coach position you will require: 

Essential

• Level 1 or 2 Rowing Coaching Accreditation  

• Previous coaching experience in a club environment 

• Exceptional organisational and time management skills  

• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal 

• High level of self-awareness and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships 

• A current National Criminal Record Check and WWCC or willingness to obtain

Desirable:

• Preferred Level 1 First Aid Qualification 

• Boat License preferred, but not essential

It is expected that Rowing Coaches will attend all training sessions (weekdays, weekends), camps and  Professional Development activities organised by the Head of Rowing.

To apply please provide a cover letter addressed to Michael Hedger, The Head of Rowing,  [email protected] along with a resume.  

Applications Close 30/09/2023

We encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, as early submissions will be reviewed and considered prior to the official closing date.

Seeking: Casual Rowing Coach

Casual Rowing Coach – Richmond Rowing Club

Richmond Rowing Club is a community rowing club that strives to provide opportunities to participate, develop and compete in a friendly and inclusive community on and off water.

The role

Richmond Rowing Club has enjoyed regular appearances and success at Vic State Championships and Australian National Masters Championships.

We have opportunities available for enthusiastic and experienced Rowing Coaches to work with both our Development and Senior Programs, with availability to work throughout the week and weekends. You will work closely with the Head of Rowing and Senior Coach to coach, mentor and contribute to the club rowing program.

These roles play a critical part in ensuring that the training schedules and guidelines established by the Coaches are delivered in a professional manner whilst role modelling the behavior and standards expected of Richmond Rowing Clubs reputation and ethos.

About You

To be considered for a rowing coach position, it is essential that you have:

  • Level 1 or 2 Rowing Coaching Accreditation
  • Previous experience in coaching a rowing team with successful results will be highly regarded
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills
  • Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
  • Displays a high level of self-awareness and the ability to maintain positive relationships
  • A current National Criminal Record Check or WWCC
  • Preferred Level 1 First Aid Qualification
  • Boat License preferred, but not essential

It is expected that Rowing Coaches must attend all training sessions (weekdays, weekends), camps and Professional Development activities organised by the Head of Rowing. If this sounds like the role for you then don’t hesitate, apply today

Please ensure that you provide a cover letter addressed to Christine Sullivan, The Head of Rowing:
[email protected]
With a resume and qualifications/accreditations as part of your application.

Applications Close 24/01/23

2022 Melbourne Head

It was a big call to delay the regatta for a week owing to the flood conditions on the Yarra, but the weather on the 26th was a stunning departure from the rain.

Despite the date change, Richmond fielded 18 entries across the four brackets, including the bulk seven-boat play for the FClub4x+.

Conditions got steadily windier as the morning progressed, but Richmond crews were still powering down the course in some very tight races. The Men’s Club 8 in particular came only a whisker behind the winners from Mercantile, hopefully a good sign of things to come for the rest of the season.

While rowers were still competing in the last bracket, our volunteers were busy setting up everything at the club for our afternoon BBQ and open bar. Huge thanks to Helen Pearce for organising the event and serving for hours despite being injured. Also very grateful to Jack and Lily for setting up; Dennis and William for BBQ cooking; Wan, Amy, Dennis, Mikey Kim and Lily for working the bar, Emily Bourke and Sam for clean-up and everyone else who helped make the event such a success.

Results

Second:
XM4x+ Ally Dejaegher, Richie Healy, Jack Hellerstedt, Amy Catlin, cox: Lily Innes-Irons 14:05.49


third:
MClub4+ Ben Wardle, Indigo Orton, Tim Foster, Pat Cook, cox: Derek Begg 12:20.6
FClub4x+ Wan-ling Emptage, Emily Bourke, Sam Leslie, Dana Hill, cox: Zena Marzi 13:42.41
FM4x+ Ally Dejaegher, Rachael Button, Christine Sullivan, Sarah Houghton, cox: Deb Spring 13:28.94
MClub8+ Jack Hellerstedt, Pavel Oborin, Jon Roberts, Alex Pupko, Indigo Orton, Ben Wardle, Pat Cook, Tim Foster, cox: Derek Begg 10:56.2

link to album


2022 Indoor rowing championships AIRC

In a foreshadowing of the state of the head race season, it was a welcome return to erging in-person at the shed for AIRCs this year.

Richmond posted up 35 entries from 18 athletes from age brackets ranging from 19-29 up to 75-79.

first place
Helen Pearce, 40-49W, 500m, 1:30.8
Kate Dyball, 30-39WL, 500m, 1:38.9
Alex Silber, 75-79M, 500m, 1:40.9
Helen Pearce, 40-49W, 2000m, 6:54.7
Kate Dyball, 30-39WL, 2000m, 7:09.1
Helen Pearce, 40-49W, 1000m, 3:20.1
Kate Dyball, 30-39WL, 1000m, 3:30.4
Lily Innes-Irons, 19-29W, 1000m, 3:31.7
Alex Silber, 75-79M, 1000m, 3:44.8
Anthea Amos, 65-69W, 1000m, 4:31.8

second place
Geraldine Goss, 60-64W, 500m, 1:46.9
RRC relay, 19-39W, 2000m, 6:37.4
Ben Wardle, 19-29M, 2000m, 6:32.4
Jack Hellerstedt, 30-39ML, 2000m, 7:03.5
Kirsty Fergie, 30-39W, 2000m, 7:31.1
Kirsty Fergie, 30-39W, 1000m, 3:36.4
Geraldine Goss, 60-64W, 1000m, 3:51.7

Third place
Pavel Oborin, 30-39ML, 2000m, 7:32.8
Alex Pupko, 19-29M, 1000m, 3:06.9
Jack Hellerstedt, 30-39ML, 1000m, 3:25.1
Caley Manzie, 19-29W, 1000m, 3:36.4
Philip Munson, 65-69M, 1000m, 3:39.2

With a total of 316 points amassed, RRC took third overall in club standings behind Gippsland Grammar (353) and Sunshine Coast Indoor Rowing Club (348).

Big thanks to Helen for being the mastermind of the event, and hostess extraordinaire while sweeping her events, Will for entries & IT architecture, and Ally, Richie, Emily, Sean, Alex, for running the ergos throughout the day.

link to album





2022 Rowing Camp Nagambie

We headed up to Nagambie for a welcome return to our annual rowing camp for the weekend of 8 October. Big thanks to Leigh & Chris for trailering.


There were a handful of eager beavers that made it up early enough Friday to have a row, before RRC took over Nagambie brewery for dinner under SVs carefully laid booking plans.

Despite selective efforts to the contrary, we were on-water for the first session by 730 Saturday morning. The first of four sessions, men’s squad clocked up 42 km’s in a pair of sessions on the Goulburn followed by a pair of afternoon sessions on the course.

Saturevening was for the box biters, by all reports Keith’s normally unquestioned dominance under steady stream of threats, with Lily photographed wearing the crown. Saturnight was for cabin 46’s holistic approach to the weekend.

Sunday saw a solid 10km session for 8am, amelioration of the remaining evidence, and a final mixed crews laugh of a dash down the course.

Enormous thanks to Ally, who with Emil and Millie organised accommodation, comms, survey and lots more: Kathy organised finances. Kirsty and Sue-Virginia organised food and William Haynes manned the BBQ: Richie, Helen, Tim F and Anthea A provided salads. Safety planning was done by Alex Reid, Kathy M, Kim, Christine, boats organised by Kim and Andrew C was a tinnie driver.  Volunteer coaches and coxes were Derek, Stuart, Anthea, Kathy, and paid coaches were Will, Sep, Roy, Alex and Lucci.


link to album

2022 Head of the Barwon

Very much “day for it” vibes for this quick dash out west.

Results

first:
MA-C2x I. Balemi, B. Wardle 15:16.68
FM4+ C.Crouser [RCHMD], H.Pearce [RCHMD], G.Goss [RCHMD], R.Gribble [WENDB], Cox: K.Wong [RCHMD] 16:49.5
FA-C4x+/- R. Dickson-Hoyle, K. Fergie, L. Innes-Irons, A. Kinsman, Cox: C. McCarthy 16:17
second:
FM1x G. Goss 19.09.11
MA-C2x W. Golding, P. Cook 16:08.32
MA-C4x+/- W. Golding, I. Balemi, B. Wardle, P. Cook, Cox: W. Emptage 14:43.1
third:
FA-C2x C. Crouser, H. Pearce 16:52.2
fourth:
MM4x+/- D. Beck, C. Burke, W. Haynes, J. Roberts, Cox: ATHLETE UNKNOWN 16:52.45

2022 Flying Doctor Rowathon

We sent a couple quads out to Wentworth the weekend of 11 September for the Rowathon to support the Flying Doctor Service.

Congrats to Phil, Alan, Guy and Denis for taking out the 50km half marathon!
Dana and Sarah Hardy for completing all three legs!!

Big thanks to our support crew- Susanna, Stef and Barry. Helping the crews on and off the water, carting our stuff between stations. Susanna, Phil and Leigh for driving the trailer.



Link to photo album