Junior rowers kickstart 2024 season

GEELONG’S strong start to the rowing season has continued following another bumper event last Saturday at the annual Morongo Regatta.

Rowing Geelong president Sam Elliott said more than 1,150 schoolgirls and coaches continued the start of their rowing seasons a week after the Barwon Regatta.

“We had a great turn out yesterday for the Morongo Regatta,” Elliott said.

“The weather was perfect for the juniors with many of them having their first ever race. We’re so lucky to have one of the safest and fairest courses in the sport right here on the city’s doorstep.

“A light breeze and the sunshine really help the umpires getting the girls away from the start and down the course safely. Everyone walks away happy at the end of the day.”

Rowing Geelong stated perfect conditions greeted rowing crews for the day, with the regatta serving as the first for junior schoolgirl rowers in 2024.

The regatta also provides crews a chance to implement gameplans in anticipation for the Head of the Schoolgirls.

Results included Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) taking out the Female School Coxed Quad Scull Year 9 Division 1 with a narrow win over Loreto Ballarat.

The local crew at The Geelong College won the Female School Eight Year 10 Division 1, while Firbank Grammar narrowly took out the Female School Coxed Quad Scull Year 10 Division 1.

Rowing returns to the Barwon River for a third consecutive weekend this coming Saturday for the Rowing Victoria Junior Schoolgirls’ Regatta.

More than 1,200 competitors are expected to attend the upcoming regatta in what will be another busy day for rowing in Geelong.

The season’s biggest female rowing day, the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta, takes place on the Barwon River from March 15-17.