The pinnacle of the racing season arrived after weeks of on water training, ergos and circuits. The Victorian State Championships were held on March 3-4 this year on the ever-unpredictable waters of Lake Wendouree.
Squad training for the men’s and women’s crews started early this season, kicking off in earnest in December 2017 with a demanding training program overseen by Richmond’s Head Coach, Basil Amin.
Solid preparation paid dividends for all rowers who competed at the State Championships this year, with impressive individual and crew performances seen on both days of the competition.
The first day of racing saw Michelle Joy secure a convincing win in the D Final of the Open Single Scull event.
The women’s quad scull (Michelle Joy, Karen Doggett, Kate Dyball, Zoe Maxwell, coxed by Derek Begg) finished off their States campaign on a high. Keen to push the boundaries this year, the crew began their weekend of racing with a strong performance in the Open Coxless Quad Scull event. (The post race debrief with Basil about human stretching techniques to match the heights of the 6 ft. plus competition being (mostly) in jest).
The crew went on to secure a gold medal in the C Grade Coxed Quad Scull and silver in both the A Grade and B Grade Coxed Quad Scull events.
The men’s four (Allan Randall, Jon Roberts, Charlie Burke, John Carey coxed by Ally Dejaegher) added more silverware to the Richmond medal tally, with a nail biting performance in the D Grade Coxed Four. In a race which made for great viewing at the finishing line, the men finished less a canvass behind the winning Melbourne crew to claim a silver medal. The men went on to put in a good performance in the C Grade Coxed Four event later in the day.
The women’s quad (Edwina Griffiths, Shern Timmins, Jodie Naisbitt, Yash Vegi, coxed by Derek Begg) put in an impressive performance in the highly competitive D Grade Coxed Quad Scull event, finishing a close second in their heat and boat lengths ahead of nearest rivals, Footscray City and Hamilton & Alexandra.
Lindsey Brown and Morgan Chandler capped off a successful season at States, with strong performances in both the B Grade and C Grade Pair.
Sarah Houghton rounded out a successful racing season with second place in her heat of the C Grade Single Scull event – finishing a mere 0.7 seconds behind the winning boat. Sarah went through to the C Final and also raced the B Grade event.
With only a few practice rows under their belts in the weeks leading up to States, Rochelle Stokes and Edwina Griffiths and Andrew Yuile and Dennis Beck put in good performances in the D Grade Double Scull and the C Grade Pair, respectively.
It has been said that success is a journey, not a destination, and the 2018 season is a testament to the truism.
The rowers who represented Richmond at the State Championships achieved gains over the season as individual athletes and as crews. With many wins and close finishes in regattas in the weeks leading up to States and crews across the board stepping up to compete in divisions they had previously not thought possible – this season was a comprehensive success for Richmond Rowing Club.
For all this our thanks must go to those who worked tirelessly to make Richmond’s States campaign success a reality – especially our Head of Rowing, Tim Evans, Head Coach, Basil and Captain, Barry Campbell.
Thanks must also go to expert coxen’s Derek and Ally, who dedication and motivation each helped give their crews the winning edge this season.
Zoe Maxwell
Quiz Night Auction Items – Help required!!!
With our annual Trivia Night approaching fast (24 March) we are again in need of your assistance.
We are looking for items to auction….these could be just about anything…wine, tools, accommodation (especially if you have a holiday house), tickets to concerts, shows or galleries, hampers, sporting goods, jewellery, paintings, prints, linen, electrical items…. so as you can see the list is endless.
The other thing that is always a winner is the donation of your time which could include things such as Coxing (everyone needs a coxwain), coaching, handyman, babysitting, gardening, painting or if you are a professional then perhaps you could offer you service of expertise for a period of time.
We have already had a wonderful donation of 2 designer wooden benches (walnut and rift oak). Name: Botanist Minimal Désigner: Dario Antonioni and a large coffee table that has a chrome frame and finished with a toughened black glass top. Thank you Laurent but we need more
Please have a think and see what you can come up with. All donations will help raise money for the club and will be put towards upgrading our fleet as part of our fleet renewal plan which includes smaller boats (pairs/doubles and singles).
Feel free to contact me at any time with questions or donations fundraising@richmondrowing.
Cheers and thanks again Chris
Club Working Bee – 18th March 2018
Has that mould in the showers been bugging you? Has that squeaky wheel been annoying you? Do those dirty slides leave grease marks on your calves? Grips on your oars all slippery? Have no idea where things go? Then grab your favorite marigolds, workwear and be ready to pitch in and lend a hand on the 18th of March at 12pm after training (you can start earlier if you want!!).
There will be something everyone can do from labelling to spring cleaning in the gym with your favourite tunes, cleaning those oar handles and much more. Come down pitch in and have a laugh.
When we all pitch in it keeps our club and equipment in ship shape condition and in the way that we like to use it.
It’s expected that all members could do a little around the club. If you can’t be there it’s OK ask Barry or Lucy what’s on the list to be done and have a go at something in your own time. Don’t forget to let them know what’s been done, so we can take it off the list.
Please get involved it’s your club!!
Upcoming RSA course and updated RRC policies
As you know, RRC now has a limited liquor licence, which allows us to open our recently refurbished bar and sell alcoholic beverages. This allow us to enhance the social aspect of club activities and add an avenue for fundraising as well.
Importantly, events where the bar is open must be conducted in a manner consistent with liquor licensing legislation. As a result, the Committee has recently adopted 2 club policies to ensure we comply with our licence and maintain a responsible and safe environment. These policies can be found on the club website:
RRC Alcohol Management Policy
RRC Safe Transport Policy
Here are some brief points:
- Alcohol will only be served at club organised events, approved by the Committee. Our licencing hours for these events are as follows:
- Sunday & ANZAC Day(Sunday) – Between 12 noon and 11pm
- On any other day – Between 12 noon and 1am the following morning
- Members serving behind the bar must have their Responsible Service of Alcohol qualification. You are strongly encouraged as a club member to complete one of these courses. The more qualified members we have the more potential we have to open the bar and the less we rely on the same people to do all of the work. See below for more information.
- The licence is only valid in the upstairs area of the clubhouse including the deck (excluding the gym and changing rooms). Alcohol cannot be taken downstairs or outside of the clubhouse.
- BYO alcohol is not allowed on our premises at any time, whether the bar is open or not.
- Alcohol misuse can lead to risk taking, unsafe, unacceptable and/or illegal behaviour. As club members we will expect a responsible approach and use of good judgment when alcohol is available. Members will not compete, train, coach or officiate if affected by alcohol. Alcohol will not be served to persons aged under 18 years.
- We ask that all attendees at our functions plan their transport requirements to ensure they arrive home safely and prevent driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Non alcoholic beverages will also be served whenever the bar is open. Water will be provided free of charge.
- Members may bring guests to club functions where the bar is open. Guests must sign in to the club register with their name and address, and the name of the member they are with. The register will be kept in the bar.
The club has recently reached an agreement with Good Sports, to hold an RSA course at the club on 14th March from 6.30pm. We have 7 free spots at the course, available on a first in basis, hopefully we will be able to get more spots closer to the date. Please email [email protected] if you would like to attend.
So you, your friend, your partner, your mum and dad all want to be BROs??
Read on….
BROs (Boat Race Officials) are an integral part of regattas. Without them, there is no regatta.
These are the people you see (usually in safety vests), spending a little time:
directing the boat traffic at the launching places- making sure the rower’s boats are safe (bowballs, shoe tie-downs)
- directing boats as they line up for starts, and then starting the races
- judging if there’s interference
- working out who’s come first, second, third and so on
Our club needs to provide a BRO at almost every regatta we attend. It can be tough for rowers to run between BROing and racing, and we want coaches actually coaching! So we’d love a rowing widow/widower, a supportive mum or dad, or your best buddy to get involved. The more the merrier, as BROs can share shifts.
BRO training consists of attending a lecture and then being supervised initially. Level 1 accreditation is obtained by performing 4 practical BRO stations: control, start marshal, bank umpire and judge. Also, Working with Children’s Check are now required. These are easy to get and free for volunteers. Apply Here
The club can also support a BRO’s education by taking them out in a boat (to get a rower’s perspective) and/or having them ride alongside a coach on the bike path. The club insurance will cover them for risk and accidents.
Next BRO course is on Tuesday 6 March 6-8pm at Yarra Yarra (a few sheds down from RRC). Register here to attend. What’s holding you back??
Doing some BROing is also a great way for those new to rowing to get to see what happens at a regatta (from the insiders view), so new members are also encouraged to BRO.
Any questions? Contact Chris or Kathy
Trivia Night tickets on sale – 24 March 2018
Following our recent club events (Xmas BBQ and NYE) our fundraising total for the year is currently above $7,000. Thanks to your great work, we are well on our way to our goal for the purchase of a new shiny boat! Look out for upcoming communications on additions to the fleet.
With that in mind, the annual RRC trivia night is only a month away, starting at 7pm Sat 24th of March. The theme for this year’s quiz will be Arabian Nights – so get your Aladdin suits ready, hop on your magic carpet and get ready for an amazing night!
Tickets are strictly limited to 100, so get in early through Trybooking. Prices are $25 per person or $225 for a table of 10.
The one and only Justin Thomas will be writing the quiz questions from the other side of the world with help from Aline Dejaegher, Simon Crunden is back to MC the evening and Derek Begg will be on hand as our auctioneer for the night.
Don’t forget, as one of our major fundraising events we are looking for auction items, the more unusual the better. You can donate your time, your one off skill, that vintage zootie or the dozen bottles of wine you have been saving. Contact [email protected] with any items you can donate.
It’s always a great night and you can bring along your friends, colleagues and family to enjoy each other’s company at the club. The event is BYO food, with drinks at bar prices. Prizes for winning team and best dressed, and don’t forget to decorate your table!
Receipt of VicHealth Active Club Grant
Richmond Rowing Club was delighted to receive a VicHealth Active Club Grant to support our Tiger Social Rowing program.
The $2,890 grant has enabled the club to purchase four pairs of yellow handled sculling blades and 5 sets of boat lights. This reduces equipment constraints allowing more rowers to be on the water during the peak Thursday night and Sunday morning crew and social rowing time slots.
The oars were “christened” by four of the twenty one participants in our first 2018 Learn to Row group on January 30. We are delighted that a number of members from that class have already signed up to join the club.
Welcome….. we look forward to helping you to further develop your rowing skills.
Just a reminder that all club members are welcome to join the social rowing program on Thursday evenings 6.15pm or Sunday mornings 9.45am. Please contact Head of Rowing if you want to participate and are not currently receiving the Sportsnoticeboard sign ups for Tiger Rowing.
Rutherglen Regatta 2018
The 13th and 14th of January were the dates this year for the much liked and well attended Rutherglen regatta, with more than 700 competitors contesting 340 races across the weekend. This was the 153rd running of this regatta, making it the oldest rowing regatta in Australia.
The 800m course on the Saturday and a short 500m sprint on Sunday leaves you with short, sharp, shocks of excitement over a fun packed weekend thanks to the quick race starts and the tricky boomerang bend.
Outstanding performances included Morgan Chandler and Lindsey Brown in the Female D grade pair on Saturday (800m) and Female open pair on Sunday (500m).
On Saturday, Michelle Joy was victorious in the Female B Grade single scull, with Sarah Houghton taking silver. Sliver was also the colour for Zoe Maxwell and Michelle Joy in the female open double scull (800m).
The newly formed mixed coxed eight enjoyed the second spot on both days, not a bad effort for a bunch of folks that had never set foot in a boat together prior to rowing to the start.
Stefanie Dudczig and Allan Randall were heroic in the Mixed Double scull on the Sunday picking up silver after a fantastic start – pipped at the post thanks to some pesky buoys and a reedy finish.
Praise too for the Wentworth Richmond composite Male Masters Eight who won on both days thanks to their great efforts and huge long and lanky Wentworth rowers. Our all Richmond masters eight gave it all they had, but a 6 sec handicap over 800m and 4 seconds over the 500m run made the race for a medal just out of reach.
There was lots of “in-boat” video footage taken over the weekend, and we can confirm the number of actual strokes it takes to complete the course. Over 500m the pair of Morgan and Lindsey took 64 strokes, the double of Dave and Charlie did it in 59 strokes, the men’s D grade coxed four took 58 and the mixed eight 54. Our male masters eight took only 49 strokes over the same distance. Loving the stats!
In addition there was the christening of a new member owned boat – the Hobbit. The name has nothing to do with the height and furry feet of the crew – and any gossip is ‘fake news’. Denis Henry also proved that he is still a wizard at Rock-Paper-Scissors (to keep Leigh and Christine’s daughter entertained).
Off the water – Freshly made bacon and egg rolls for lunch and awesome chicken parmies’ later in the pub, all washed down with plenty of coffee and beer. Mostly beer.
Chiltern – our host for the night is an idyllic, charming and historic town with plenty of laughs in the numerous bars. We visited most of them in search of the best table and the coldest beer.
All up it was an awesome trip, the weather was especially kind to us with day time temps hovering around the 27 deg mark. Many thanks must go to those that worked behind the scenes organising accommodation and boat transport. You all know who you are, and know that we could not have done it without you, and we can’t forget our effervescent Yash who volunteered as our BRO for the weekend. This is definitely one regatta we should all make an effort to attend. Bring on 2019.
Kim B. and Alex R.
Buy your RRC New Years Eve Tickets now!!! Earlybird pricing available until Friday 22nd December.
Early bird tickets are just $45 per person if purchased prior to 22nd December. Tickets are $65 per person if purchased after 22nd December. All funds raised going directly to the clubs fundraising goal of new equipment.
Click here for the Trybooking link —> Don’t wait, book early and save!!!
Price includes entry to RRC, snacks, BBQ and Salads
Drinks at RRC Bar prices.
Entry from 7pm New Year’s Eve. Ticket required (No ticket no entry)
Buy your RRC Christmas tickets now!
Ticket sales for RRC Christmas club races and lunch close end of day Wednesday 13 December (tomorrow) if you want to have food for your lunch.
Friends and Family are welcome to come enjoy some Xmas cheer and cheer some club racing.
WHEN: Sunday 17th December
Club races from 9:45am, Christmas BBQ from 12pm
BBQ Price: includes Gourmet BBQ and Salads (please advise Barry Campbell of any dietary requirements at time of booking)
$25 per person Tickets can be purchased via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/338721
Drinks: RRC Bar open post club races –Drinks at bar prices
We look forward to seeing you there!