Over 600 competitors and 1,125 entries created a record weekend for the 153rd annual Murray Rowing Association Rutherglen Regatta at Lake Moodemere.
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Nearly 400 races were held over 20 hours of competition on Saturday and Sunday.
Races were conducted at a rapid rate of every three minutes and for some events, races were sent off every two minutes.
The temperature was hot throughout the weekend, even nudging 42 degrees on Sunday. However, the Murray Rowing Association catered for the hot temperature with a water cart and mist fans to ensure the safety and hydration of all competitors and spectators.
Clubs came from around Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and southern New South Wales to participate in this year’s event.
For many clubs, this is one of the first regattas they will pencil in for each season as a “must attend”.
The economic benefit of the regatta to the region is huge with accommodation and local eating places booked out over the weekend.
The participation was spread from rowers as young as 10 years of age through to Neville Howell at 90 years. Neville was in the Australian eight at the 1956 Olympics.
The highlight on Sunday was the Victorian Sprint Championships for the open events which were dominated by the Corowa Rowing Club.
Overall, Corio Bay Rowing Club from Geelong won the Red Gum Shield for the most successful club, narrowly from Corowa.
Corio had sent up a strong contingent of 50 competitors to defend their title they won last year and they were particularly strong in the masters events.
The feedback from the regatta was outstanding. The regatta won the Regatta of the Year at the 2018 Rowing Victoria awards, and after a record field, number of races and the feedback, the Murray Rowing Association will be well on its way to claiming another Regatta of the Year for the current season.
The Murray Rowing Association would like to thank the sponsors and the great support that they receive from the community and volunteers.
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