Huge weekend of rowing set for lake

OVER one-thousand-six-hundred rowers, their coxswains and coaches will take to Lake Wendouree this weekend for the JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta.

The event will also mark the centenary of the Kings Cup Trophy.

“We are delighted with preparations in the lead up to this event and are committed to delivering a national standard event for Ballarat,” said John King, Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club president.

“We would like to thank all club members, volunteers and the people of Ballarat for their ongoing support.”

First won by a squad from the First Australian Imperial Force in 1919 and presented by King George V at the Royal Peace Regatta held in London to mark the end of WWI, the Kings Cup Trophy now lives at the National War Museum.

It will be loaned to the Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club for this weekend’s event.

With 144 races on the card throughout the regatta the action will include the state selection trials on Saturday morning.

Rowers from Ballarat will be mixing it with competitors from across Victoria and interstate with local schools battling for the Head of the Lake.

With more than 4,500 spectators expected to flock to the shores of Lake Wendouree for the regatta, Mr King said the event was a good way to highlight everything that’s great about the city.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Lake Wendouree course and promote our club’s values of teamwork, health, fitness and participation,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the local community, including non-rowers enjoy a wonderful weekend of entertainment for everyone.”

The JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta is set for this Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 3 February.