Crews from all corners ready for Barwon Regatta

VICTORIA’S largest club and school regatta will return to the Barwon River for a 142nd year next weekend as the 2022/23 rowing season makes its way back to Geelong.

Held over January 28-29, the Barwon Regatta provides an important lead-up regatta for schools working towards the Head of the Schoolgirls and Head of the River as well as club rowers in their preparation for the state and national championships.

As many as 1,800 competitors are expected to take to the water across both days with emergency groundworks taking place in recent months following the river’s recent flooding.

The boatshed and finish line precincts have been rejuvenated with more than 500 square metres of turf laid hours before Christmas and continuously watered by volunteers from the Geelong rowing community.

“At short notice, we were made aware that the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority could provide 500 square metres of turf to repair the landing area,” Geelong Rowing president Sam Elliott said.

“It was great to see so many people volunteer to make sure the turf was down then to keep the water up to it over the Christmas/New Year break.

“It was great to see volunteers from both the clubs and schools come together to ensure we had a presentable area for the upcoming regattas.”

Kardinia International College rowing director Anita Whitehouse said that despite the season’s delay due to local flooding, her crews are excited to take part in the coming meet.

“The Barwon Regatta is a super important one for us, it sets us up for the rest of the season and is probably our second most important event behind the head of the Schoolgirls regatta later this year.

“Flooding has put us behind our waterwork training by two months and while the girls have been working hard in the gym, technique-wise we’ve got some work to do.

“Nevertheless the girls are just super excited to race again.”

Corio Bay Rowing Club started its 150th year of rowing on Corio Bay as well as the Barwon River this year.

As a result, there will be additional trophies commemorating the 150 years of Corio Bay Rowing Club for selected events.

Racing starts from 8am on January 28 and will conclude at 4pm on January 29.