Richmond Rowing Club has picked up another three gold medals on the second and final day of the 2011 Edward Trickett regatta in Sydney this weekend.
The first gold came in the Women’s C Grade Four stroked by Zara Love who easily won their final by six seconds with Sydney University second.
The Richmond men’s C double scull of Sam Morrison and Nick Schouten were the next crew to claim gold for Richmond, winning a very tight race by just under a second to Griffith University in tough head wind conditions.
The Richmond female C eight stroked by Zara Love won a two crew race against Liechhardt completing the eights double having won the D eight on the first day of the regatta.
Women’s coach Derek Begg is said to be very pleased with the performance of the Richmond girls as they have won four gold medals and a number of minor medals which proved significant in placing Richmond fourth overall in the club championship points table for this years regatta.
The results over the weekend were a significant improvement on last years results where Richmond only won the one gold medal over the two day regatta. Club treasurer and long time member Troy Durham said that the club had performed extremely well winning five gold medals over the weekend and the three gold on the second day when the conditions started to deteriorate towards the end of the day was a great effort by the club.
Richmond girls win gold in the eight and double
The Richmond girls have beaten St George in a tight race to take gold by 1.30 sec on day 1 of the Edward Trickett regatta in Sydney. The crew stroked by Sophie Robinson had a great race to finish ahead of last years gold medalist.
The second gold went to the D double of Kate Dyball and Rochelle Stokes in a hotly contested race consisting of heats, semi’s and finals.
In other results, Sam Morrison won bronze in the men’s b single scull in another tough race for the kiwi import.
Solid results at Vic State Champs has Richmond on track for Sydney
Richmond Rowing Club appears to be on track for a successful Sydney campaign following a string of solid results at this weekend’s Victorian State Championships.
Leading the way was the men’s D eight picking up the clubs only gold medal for the weekend. Stroked by Tim Foster, the crew got off to a flyer and kept their cool to fend off a fast finishing Corowa eight to score by one metre. The victory was particularly pleasing for the crew, as Corowa has been the clubs nemesis in recent years beating the Richmond men to gold in a number of close championship races.
In other results, the club won several silver medals including Nick Schouten in the under 19 single scull who is back and in the boat after taking a year off to play football. A slow starting, fast finishing female C quad stroked by club legend Zara Love, had to settle for silver after narrowly missing out on taking the gold off the highly fancied crew from Latrobe University.
English recruit Rachael Button adapting well to the cool overcast conditions, raced strongly in the female D single taking silver as did the men’s D pair of Barry Campbell and Dave Micallef (coxed by Mike Numa) who notched up their second medal for the regatta in the last race of the day.
Bronze medals also went to the Richmond female D pair of Olivia Brown and Lindsay Morgan (coxed by Simonne Jollye) and the female D four stroked by Tamara Lowe.
Club captain Barry Campbell was pleased with the club’s form over the weekend and believes that a number of the crews are showing great signs building into the NSW state champs which are being held in Sydney on the weekend of 9/10 April.
Simon Crunden
2011 NSW Club Championship Regatta (Edward Trickett Regatta) – Saturday 9 / Sunday 10 April
The NSW Club Championship Regatta is on again and this year Richmond will be attending the regatta in force.
There will be plenty of races to be had on the Sydney International Regatta Complex (where they held the rowing at the Sydney Olympics) and if last year is anything to go by, the racing will be fast and furious and we won’t need much more from our crews to bring home a swag full of medals. If you need to refresh your memory on how good the racing was then just take a look at this video of the RRC women’s eight racing St George on You Tube.
The two day regatta is on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April in Penrith which is located about 1hour from Sydney airport or 1 hour 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
The plan is to arrive on the Friday (8th) and depart on the Monday (11th) and there are options available to depart on the Sunday for those who need to be back in Melbourne on the Monday morning for work.
If you plan to fly up to Sydney then now is the time to start booking as there are plenty of flight available that will get you up and back for under $200. If you need transport to and from Sydney airport then I suggest that you try and book a midday flights each way (i.e. ex Melbourne on the Friday and ex Sydney on the Monday) so we can car pool. If you need to go back to Melbourne on the Sunday night then I suggest you aim to catch a flight between 19:00 – 20:00hrs as that will give you plenty of time to get to the airport after the regatta (again we will aim to car pool).
The cost for the weekend will be $260 per person which will include boat transport costs, accommodation and meals (except lunches).
If you are keen to attend the regatta and are not yet involved in a squad then let Justin Thomas know and he will get you organised.
Sydney is a rather large logistical challenge so if you are coming, I need you to click on the following link and complete the survey by Friday 25 February.
Sydney Sign-Up
Simon Crunden
Richmond Female Eight Wins HOTY
Eights from all around Australia descended on Melbourne on Saturday 27th November for the annual event of Head of the Yarra. The 8.6km course winding up stream from the city to Hawthorn is a challenge like no other and was contested by almost 200 crews. Following a week of heavy rain (and race day was no exception) the river was flowing strongly adding to the gruelling conditions and testing the skill and endurance of all involved.
Richmond were strongly represented by 4 crews and first off were the women’s D grade eight superbly coxed (and coached) by Derek Begg. The girls overtook the boat in front and powered on to the close the gap of five minutes to the gentlemen’s masters. After some anxious moments at the very narrow Leonda Bridge they charged home in a time of 37:23. Content with a job well done they sheltered from the rain with a few bottles of bubbles back at Geri’s humble abode. Meanwhile the mixed eight took to the water, coached by Anthea Amos. Their early morning training sessions and hard work at the Bairnsdale training camp all culminated in a great row.
Richmond had two men’s C grade eights competing in a hard fought division consisting of 19 crews. Simon Crunden’s squad coxed by Joe Lian-Lloyd beautifully navigated the course in the shiny new Schouten Family eight passing crews within the first kilometre. It was great to see RRC President, Emma Catford back in a boat this time coxing the men’s eight coached by Franziska Locher. With a whole crew who had never raced the prestigious event they set off up the river and again took a great line around the bends of the Yarra. The cox is a key component of any crew and as was witnessed by the crowds gathered and cheering on the infamous ‘Big Bend’ the benefit of local knowledge of the course is priceless and Richmond provided this with both Mike Numa and Nicole Stupka stepping up to cox crews from other clubs.
When crossing the line all crews celebrated being a part of such a great event and despite the at times relentless rain everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere created by the host club of Hawthorn. To the surprise and thrill of all involved Derek Begg received a phone call from the Head of Rowing, Justin Thomas, to confirm the women’s D eight had won their division! In disbelief we checked the times but there was no mistake when Richmond’s name was called and the girls received their medals. The crew of Sophie Robinson, Karen Doggett, Tamara Mayfield, Geraldine Goss, Susie Ballantyne, Anthea Amos, Rochelle Stokes and Kate Dyball celebrated the clubs first win in seven years in this classic sporting event. The fun didn’t stop there as the crews still had to row their boats back to the city so with the boys kitted out in school uniform and the girls proudly displaying their bling and gold sequinned superhero capes and eye masks we headed for home.
After all that rowing a well deserved dinner was served up at the clubhouse HOTY after party. DJ Alex then kicked the party into action and as the drinks continued to flow the dancing and enjoyment was infectious. Thanks to the boys squad for organising the festivities and I’ll take this opportunity to remind you that if you missed this party don’t let it happen again. In only 2 weeks RRC will be rocking again with the Christmas dinner on Thursday 16th December so put your name down now on the signup board.
A huge well done to all the competitors and everyone who took part in the day or contributed to the build-up of what was a truly a memorable event.
Karen Doggett
Nick & Christine in Europe
Christine and Nick have been travelling around Britain and The Netherlands, meeting up with a R.R.C member and rowing with other clubs.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Anne Carter who is attending Oxford University for a second year. Anne kept up her rowing last year being part of her University College Boat Club. Unfortunately, Anne doesn’t think that she will have the time to commit to rowing this time around.
Although we only had a short time in Oxford, Anne showed us around many colleges and was able to take us to places no tourist gets to see. We were so pleased to meet up with Anne and enjoyed our time with her.
While staying in London we were able to row with Twickenham Rowing Club. Twickenham Rowing Club is situated on Eel Pie Island on The Thames. Eel Pie Island has quite a long history especially more recently in the 1960’s and 70’s. Twickenham Rowing Club built their first clubhouse on the island in 1861. Access to the island is only by footbridge. We received a very friendly welcome from our other crew members and were informed that everyone wears gumboots until in the boat. We were able to borrow from an array of fashionable colored gumboots. Trying to balance a boat while taking off gumboots and stashing them was not done as elegantly as those who have had plenty of practice.
We had a great row up to Teddington locks before turning around a heading down stream to Richmond Bridge. We stopped every now and then to look at the sights along the river. Our crew members, John and Dennis, were perfect hosts and we thank them very much.
We went to Amsterdam to stay with our son and while there we rowed with the K.A.R. & Z.V. “De Hoop”. Their membership is about 900 and their boatshed was rather amazing with so many boats of all descriptions including boats with collapsible rigging for navigating through skinny arches.
Nick went out in a quad and headed inland rowing past many boathouses and buildings before coming to a pinnacle signaling the end of the city continuing through fields and past windmills. Christine joined her crew to row a skiff which was placed on a trolley and wheeled down to the water, one advantage of living in a country that is dead flat. Rowing down river to the canals of Amsterdam fitting though tiny bridge arches, passing theatres and museums and feeling like you are in a peapod when next to those massive barges on the river.
After our row we joined everyone for freshly made cappuccinos, etc. in the clubhouse and heard how on Hitler’s orders all boathouses in Amsterdam were demolished because of their strategic positions along the river and many other stories including their international rowing in Europe, USA and recently in Queensland.
Great times. Great people.
Update from the Captain
Members,
We have returned the steering to both the Lucy Crunden & Robert Hendley to increase our fleet flexibility. On the booking board indicate your rigging preference with (D) for double or (P) for pair.
The double rigger bolt holes have been honed out to make rigging as doubles easier. The LC Double riggers are numbered back to front and 2 is bow seat 1 is stern seat.
Please allow a little extra time at the beginning of your training session to rig the boat in the configuration required for your session. If you know a crew will be rowing it as a pair or double after your session you can win friends & favours by rigging it ready for them to use. The Captain may even shout you a coffee.
Please do not remove the steering without consulting the Captain first as there is a way to do this simply so it can be put back in again.
The Siberian Tiger is permanently rigged as a double and is available as an alternative if not booked by another crew.
If we all follow the above simple guidelines we can make the maximum usage of our limited fleet and everyone can enjoy a hassle free row.
Thankyou all.
Head of the Yarra – After Party
RSVP: [email protected]
Bairnsdale camp…the wrap
I knew the 2010 Bairnsdale camp was going to be unlike any other when Sam and I went for a quiet beer at the Imperial Tavern, across the road from the camping ground, on Thursday night. Within about two minutes of sitting down at the bar, we were chatting with a bloke in a fetching blue dress with matching hair ribbons. He was at great pains to emphasise that this wasn’t his normal attire. Indeed, looking around the bar and seeing the collection of Guns ‘n’ Roses, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden T-shirts on the other patrons, we were prepared to take his word for it. In any case, he was 6’ 4’’ and missing several teeth so we didn’t feel we had much option.
So far, so surreal. The next day felt more like a traditional camp, however, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s and a gloriously flat Mitchell River beckoning. The weather was not so kind to us on Saturday, with passing showers and blustery conditions keeping most crews off the water for most of the day. Never one to let us sleep in, however, Simon delivered a masterclass in rowing technique for the club, demonstrating his points on the catch, the finish, the rowing arc and the ideal power output with a motley collection of anatomically-challenged stick figures.
Apparently, Sunday dawned fine and most crews were up early, taking advantage of the conditions on this, the final day of camp. As promised by Justin, most crews made it all the way to the cliffs, some 9km upriver, which were indeed spectacular. The Senior Men re-enacted the Mutiny on the Bounty, however, when offered the chance by stern pair to make their third trip to the cliffs in as many days. The response from the rest of the boat was hilarious but, sadly, unprintable. So, with time on our hands, we decided to ram the other boats getting off the water at the landing pontoon. Accelerating to attack speed, we were cruising at a cheeky 36 spm before we heard Franzi’s dulcet tones, sounding particularly German at this point, asking us if we’d mind stopping. Like the bloke in the blue dress, Franzi is someone you ignore at your peril.
Despite the great rowing and the even greater meals, however, the highlight of the camp was undoubtedly Saturday night at the Imperial. Australia may have won several thousand medals in minority sports like the marathon and road cycling at the Commonwealth Games, but New Zealanders can hold their heads high having taken out the annual box-biting competition. Like gumboot-throwing and competitive sheep-mustering, it’s clearly in the blood.
In hindsight, it would have been best if the boxing machine had been removed before we arrived at the pub. Not that isn’t amusing seeing people punch walls but it tends to inhibit witty, sparkling conversation and certainly detracted from the debonair moves being cut on the dance floor by Kev Astaire. Furthermore, I suspect the freely-flowing testosterone may have attracted the locals, one of whom proved particularly attentive towards the end of the evening. Still, one can always rely on one’s crewmates, who provided enough of a diversion for me to set a new record for sprinting up vertical banks, as I leapt across a major highway – in the path of oncoming traffic – and found safety in a ditch.
I’m still a bit disappointed I didn’t make it to Charlies’ – the one and only nightclub in Bairnsdale. I thought everyone had called it a night after the Imperial but I’m reliably informed that Kev and the girls were seen slinking out of the club at 4:30am, having been booted out by the management. I asked Kev the next morning what the place was like and he ran the old “what goes on tour, stays on tour” line. I pressed him, however, asking for a simple thumbs up or down. “Well, Smithy,” he replied, “as I was dancing on the main podium, next to the DJ, with a magnum of champagne in each hand, it looked as if everyone was enjoying themselves.”
Finally, thanks to Justin, Barry, and all the coaches for ensuring the camp ran like clockwork.
Until next year . . .
Andrew Smith
Bairnsdale camp this weekend
This weekend sixty two members of the Richmond Rowing Club are heading to Bairnsdale to take part in the annual training camp.
The three day camp promises to be a grand blister filled occasion with members rowing up to four sessions a day including a 20km epic to the ‘sandy cliffs’ on the picturesque Mitchell River.
Friday is expected to be the pick of the days with a forecast top of 25 with sunshine in the morning before clouds move in late in the afternoon.
The forecast of showers and rain on the Saturday is not expected to dampen the enthusiasm of the crews but it will no doubt have the coaches reaching for their wet weather gear in an attempt to stay dry and focused during the sessions.
The rain is expected to clear on Sunday when crews are expected to make their journey to the sand cliffs and take part in the traditional club races in what will be the last rowing session of the camp.
Hostilities will resume on the Saturday night in the annual box biting championship where a new champion will emerge due to the non appearance of last years winner Emma Catford.
Runner up of last years box biting competition (and Emma’s house mate) Fanzi Locher, has been secretly training over the past 12 months to refine her technique in an attempt to make up for the disappointment of last years defeat and is expected to be the one to beat on Saturday night.