JUNE 2021 NEWS

Provided by your faithful correspondent Trident.

Past News can be found via the links on the right of this page

News covered this month:

• School Holiday Camp • Rowing history story from Paul Schreier in the UK • Olympic celebrations - keep these dates free • Fun run Sunday 25 July closes Boathouse Drive • Beware of slippery staging • Restrictions ease a little more • Congratulations to our Olympic Team Members • John Harry OAM • Our underage Australian team members receive their uniforms • Lockdown Latest - 10th June • Notice of Yarra River works - 9 June • The Bitter Impacts of Lockdown 4 • Winter Sculling • Lighting requirements for boats • Inaugural Australian Coastal Rowing Championsips announced • Congratulations to our senior Australian team members • Club rowing takes off • Coastal rowing at Mercs • Changing room lockers are now available for rental • Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea • Member profiles - Newcomb and Wraith

School Holiday Rowing Camp

Published 12th May 2021

School Holiday Rowing Camp Monday June 28th- Thursday July 1st

Keep active this school holidays, and return to the riverbank, with ’s School Holiday Rowing Camps.

Led by Mercantile Head Coach Mike McKay (, Dual Olympic Gold Medallist) and delivered by national and state team coaches, the camp will help participants improve their technique and skills in a fun and structured program, as well as meet new friends ahead of the upcoming school rowing season.

This four-day program combines on-water sessions with off-water education with a host of expert guest speakers including (Oarsome Foursome, Triple Olympic Gold Medallist).

The camp includes breakfast daily, and is best suited to students in Year 10 and Year 11 – rowers and coxes - with at least one season of school rowing experience. The camp program includes: - Daily on-water session in crew boats, with Mercantile High Performance Coaches - Off-water activities, including strength and conditioning, team games, and ergos - Specialist education sessions on nutrition, injury prevention, study, study/sport balance - National Sports Museum Tour at the Cricket Ground - Mini-regatta, Presentations, and BBQ on the final day of the camp - Breakfast daily - Camp Training T-Shirt

Key Camp Details Dates: Monday June 28th- Thursday July 1st Times: 8:30pm – 3:30pm each camp day. Where: Mercantile Rowing Club, Boathouse Drive, Melbourne Who: Year 10 and Year 11 students – rowers and coxes Cost: $550 per person (includes breakfast daily and camp t-shirt)

To register your interest click here for camp 1. Registrations close on Sunday 20th June unless sold out prior.

For all other enquiries, please contact Meghan Hester on [email protected]

Rowing history story from Paul Schreier in the UK

Published 17th June 2021

Club member Paul Schreier (World Junior Championships 1987) and rowing history buff and come up with yet another great rowing history story.

Whilst many people will say "so what", it brings in elements of some of Australia's greatest sporting, Olympic and business moments. We have added links to the rowing profiles of key people in the story. Read on.

I've got another rowing story for you from over here, with an Australian link. I was corresponding with a man called William Drake, whose father, Sir Eric, was the CEO and Chairman of BP in the early 70s. [Editor: One of the original directors of BP was William D'Arcy, the former President of Rockhampton Rowing Club QLD, who funded the exploration of oil in the Middle East and was successful. Given what has happened in the Middle East since, he can be lauded or vilified. Regardless, he is probably one of Australia's most influencial citizens.] Anyway, Eric had been up at Pembroke, Cambridge in the 1930s. As you may know, there were two Australians at Pembroke at the time, Lewis Luxton and Bill Sambell, who both rowed for Cambridge, won in 1932, then the Grand at Henley, and were selected for Britain at the Olympics, finishing fourth. Luxton and Sambell had been at school together at Melbourne Grammar and went straight to Cambridge as undergraduates.

Anyway, William Drake showed me a photo of his father’s trophy oar from Pembroke College in 1931, when Pembroke were head in the May Bumps, and there they both are:

These days we might not think much of a Cambridge college first boat but it is worth remembering that in those days, it was not unusual for a college crew to be selected for the Olympics. Indeed, as late as 1951, a Cambridge college crew, , won the Grand at Henley. (Again, there was an Australian in the crew, Brian Lloyd, but that’s another story.)

Back to Luxton and Sambell, the latter won a race at Australian Henley in 1934 with London Rowing Club. Here’s the oar:

Finally, I was at a dinner a while back in a country inn in Wiltshire, the night before going shooting. As I looked at the walls of the room, I noticed this:

It’s a white cricket sweater with the initials ‘LL’. As I looked closer I could see the faded silk strip around the collar, now white but originally light blue. I recognised it as a Cambridge blues rowing jumper. There was more. A zephyr:

A waistcoat;

A Blazer

A zephyr:

And, finally, 1932 Olympic team gear:

The ‘LL’ is Lewis Luxton and the clothing is his Cambridge, Leander and GB Olympic kit. I knew a few of the Luxtons from my time at school.

Anyway, I asked the waitress if the inn, the Beckford Arms, had any connections with the Luxton family. It turns out Charlie Luxton is the owner, and he is Lewis’ grandson.

So it is that the 1930s rowing kit of an Australian ends up in an Inn in Wiltshire. Lewis, of course, was an instrumental organiser of the 1956 Olympics which his father, Harold, had played a major part in winning, by one vote, from Buenos Aires.

Olympic celebrations - keep these dates free Pubished 27th June 2021

The are only a month away so now is the time to plan your celebrations at Mercs. The OLYMPIC ROWING PROGRAM of events can be found through this link.

Join us at the Club to enjoy the racing on the big screen.

Saturday morning 24th July - breakfast from 9am at the Club watching the races. See Jess Morrison do the unbelievable - race the heats of the women's pair and four just two hours apart and the replay of Amanda's heat from Thursday. If Amanda's heat does not go well, we will also see her in the repechage.

Thursday night 29th July - row and bar open from 7pm to watch replays of the weeks racing.

Then the big one - Friday morning 30th July 9am Mercantile Olympic Brunch. Viewing of the eights finals at 10.05 and 10.25am. This is day to take off work and see Angus Widdicombe stroke the men's eight and Kat Werry the women's eight with James Rook steering.

For those who are young, or at least young at heart, there is an athletes Olympic party on Saturday 31st July from 7pm.

Our Olympic Rowing Team

Fun run 25th July closes Boathouse Drive

Published 20th June 2021

Run Melbourne, which is a community health, & fitness event, is to be held in Melbourne on Sunday, 25 July 2021. Boathouse Drive is locked off from 4.30am to 9.30am.

Please find the following information attached 2021 Run Melbourne Event Notification with Road Closure Overview and Course Overview.

Beware of slippery staging Published 18th June 2021

Message from Rowing Victoria which we endorse.

Due to the recent heavy rainfall and high water levels on the Yarra River, a significant amount of sediment has been deposited on the Princes Bridge staging.

Rowing Victoria recommends caution and wishes to advise you that Parks Victoria have been notified and will be cleaning the staging when conditions allow.

Stay Safe, stay Rowing.

Restrictions ease a little more

Published 16th June 2021

As from Thursday midnight, the restrictions ease a little more. What does this mean?

• Movement between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria is now unrestricted. • Maximum Club capacity no more than 300 indoors at the density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. • Maximum group size is 50 people indoors, e.g., 50 x people in gym, 50 x people in bar area. • Competition is permitted - winter sculling re-commences • Face masks must be worn indoors except when exercising. • Face masks must be worn indoors including when retrieving equipment/ boats and recommended outdoors where 1.5 metres physical distancing cannot be maintained. Face masks not required on water. • The State Gov't QR codes are to be used for check in at the club. • Practice good hygiene measures including washing and disinfecting shared equipment.as wellas row and race

Congratulations to our Olympic Team Members

Published 14th June 2021

Congratulations to our Club members who have been selected inot the Olympic Rowing Team:

• Amanda Bateman - W2x • Ria Thompson - W4x • Jess Morrison - W2 and W4 • Kat Werry - W8 • James Rook - W8 • Angus Widdicombe - M8

The full team is as follows:

Olympic Name Event Age Suburb State Postcode Games Amanda Bateman W2x 24 Debut Beaumaris VIC 3193 Tara Rigney W2x 22 Debut Roseville NSW 2069 Ria Thompson W4x 23 Debut Woodend VIC 3442 W4x 26 Debut Mosman NSW 2088 W4x 23 Debut Warwick QLD 4370 W4x 26 Debut Ashgrove QLD 4060 Jessica Morrison W2- and W4- 29 2nd (2016) Brighton VIC 3186 Annabelle McIntyre W2- and W4- 24 Debut Fremantle WA 6160 Rosemary Popa W4- 29 Debut Toorak VIC 3142 Lucy Stephan W4- 29 2nd (2016) Nhill VIC 3480 W8+ 28 2nd (2016) Hyde Park SA 5061 W8+ 28 2nd (2016) Saint Peters SA 5069 Sarah Hawe W8+ 33 Debut Brighton East VIC 3187 Genevieve Horton W8+ 26 2nd (2016) East Lindfield NSW 2070 Bronwyn Cox W8+ 24 Debut Wembley WA 6014 Gooseberry Giorgia Patten W8+ 22 Debut WA 6076 Hill North Georgina Rowe W8+ 28 Debut NSW 2101 Narrabeen Katrina Werry W8+ 27 Debut Ballarat VIC 3350 James Rook W8+ (Cox) 23 Debut Armadale VIC 3143 Jack Cleary M4x 25 Debut Maylands WA 6051 Caleb Antill M4x 25 Debut Hughes ACT 2605 Cameron M4x 33 2nd (2016) Mosman NSW 2088 Girdlestone Luke Letcher M4x 27 Debut Campbell ACT 2612 M2- 25 Debut Balmain East NSW 2041 M2- 30 Debut Fremantle WA 6160 M4- 26 Debut Killara NSW 2071 M4- 29 2nd (2016) Dungog NSW 2420 M4- 27 Debut Nyngan NSW 2825 M4- 28 2nd (2016) Loxton SA 5333 Nicholas Lavery M8+ 22 Debut Williamstown VIC 3016 Angus Widdicombe M8+ 26 Debut Newtown VIC 3220 Angus Dawson M8+ 20 Debut Dingabledinga SA 5172 Simon Keenan M8+ 28 Debut Essendon VIC 3040 M8+ 31 Debut Killara NSW 2071 M8+ 29 Debut Armadale VIC 3143 3rd (2012, Joshua Booth M8+ 30 Kooyong VIC 3144 2016) Jack O’Brien M8+ 23 Debut Walgett NSW 2832 Stuart Sim M8+ (Cox) 28 Debut Hawthorn VIC 3122

John Harry OAM

Published 14th June 2021

Congratulations to John Harry on his Australian Honour announced today. It is gratifying to see Club members recognised in this way.

John has been a significant contributor to Mercantile and the sport of rowing for many years. He is currently a trustee of the Club's Foundation. His member profile shows the depth and extent of his work.

His citation and details are as follows:

For service to the community, to rowing, and to the legal profession.

Lasallian Foundation

• Chairman, 2014-2018.

• Director, 2013-2018.

Charitable

• Director, NotFair Art Foundation, 2015-2017.

• Chairman, Brainwave Australia, 2003-2007.

• Director, Melbourne Grammar School Foundation, 1997-2000.

• Director, Life Education Centre (now Life Education) Victoria, 1986-1987.

• Director, The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Trust, 1985-1987.

Business

• Chairman, Henry Buck Pty Ltd, 2014.

• Founder and Chairman, Arcadis Capital Pty Ltd, 2002-2013.

• Chairman, Sedimentary Holdings Limited, 2000-2006. • Chairman, Tolhurst Noall Limited, 2000-2005.

• Vice-President, Singapore-Australia Business Council, 1996-1999.

Allens (formerly Allens Arthur Robinson - AAR)

• Inaugural Director, AAR, 2001-2002.

• Founder and Managing Director, Allens Business Solutions, 2001-2002.

• Managing Partner, Asia, 1996-2002.

• Leader, Asia Practice Group, Allens Arthur Robinson Alliance, 1986-1990.

• Partner, Arthur Robinson and Hedderwicks, 1984.

• Partner, Hedderwick, Fookes and Alston, 1982.

Law Other

• Member, Law Institute of Victoria, 1971-2005.

• Former Honorary Solicitor, Hanover Welfare Services (Launch Housing).

• Advisory Board Member, Asian Law Centre, The University of Melbourne, 1992-1995.

• Member, Banking and Consumer Credit Committee, Law Council of Australia, 1982-

1985.

• Member, Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association, 1982-2003.

• Senior Legal Officer, CRA Limited, 1972-1977.

• Solicitor, Supreme Court of Victoria, 1971.

Rowing Victoria

• Inductee, Hall of Fame, 2015.

• Assistant Secretary, Victorian Rowing Association, 1971-1972.

• Represented Victoria seven times in the King's Cup championships for eights, winning twice in 1969 and 1970.

Rowing Other • Chairman, National Regatta Organising Committee, Rowing Australia, 1992.

• Chairman, Melburnia Club, Melbourne Boys Grammar Rowing, 1988-1990.

• President, Melbourne Girls Grammar School Rowing Club, 1982-1983.

• Captain, Mercantile Rowing Club, 1974-1975.

• Trustee, Mercantile Rowing Club Foundation, since circa 2015.

Wild Fire Wines

• Co-Founder, since 2018.

Our underage Australian team members receive their uniforms

Published 13th June 2021

As mentioned below, one of the very sad aspects of lockdown 4 in Melbourne has been the inability of our under age team members to compete in Adelaide this weekend.

The consolation was a handicap event for our elite rowers at Carrum on 12th June combined with presentation of Australian uniforms. The highest progrostic time was recorded by the Women's under 23 four, well ahead of the men's under 23 four, followed closely by Jess Gallagher. The prognostic times for Kane Grant and Red Matthews were quite smart also.

The following images capture the event.

Our under 21 girls take in the moment

Emmie Frederico gets her uniform from RA CEO Ian Robson

Phoebe Georgakas, Emmie Frederico and Paige Barr

Al Matthews and Ian Robson

U23 (Frederico and Barr) lead the U21 (Bongrain and Reinehr)

Under 23 boys hammer it out.

Women's Junior Eight

NTC hopefuls Kane Grant and Ben Canham sprint for the line with Kane Grant taking the honours

Joel Cain was mid-field in an improved performance

Red Matthews has not stopped rowing after the men's lightweights did not qualify for the Games. Here with Alex Wolf

Jess Gallagher and Anna Kirkwood raced well.

Lockdown latest 10th June

Published 10th June 2021

Yes we can get back on the water for training but cannot use the clubhouse other than for getting boats and toilets. See below fro the latest from Rowing Victoria.

Notice of Yarra River Works - 9 June

Published 11 June 2021

Notice of Yarra River works from Parks Victoria attached.

The Bitter Impacts of the Lockdown 4

Published 10 June 2021

Rowers in national teams will compete on 10 – 13 June 2021 in Adelaide at the World Cup 3 simulation regatta. This regatta features the Australian Senior A, Para, Under 23, Under 21 and Under 19 rowing teams.

This is a very important regatta on many levels. It is the last big hit out for our Olympic rowing team who have not been able to compete overseas for competition this year, and is the final regatta for members of the under age teams who also have been unable to compete overseas this year.

The racing at the World Cup 1 and 2 regattas has been very promising for our teams and of an excellent quality.

It is being conducted in Adelaide and not at SIRC due to the water quality following the NSW floods. An image below from April highlights the issues.

BUT .....

... if you live in Victoria, you cannot get to Adelaide to race.

This is the incredibly tough impact of the Victorian lockdown and the SA border restrictions. Five of our members are impacted.

Under 23 team - Emmie Frederico, Paige Barr and coach Al Matthews

Under 21 team - Emily Sutherland, Sophie Reinehr and Louise Bongrain

In a normal year, the Australian under 23 team would be preparing for the World Under 23 Championships in Racice in the Czech Republic. The under 21 team would be preparing to race New Zealand at Lake Karapiro. Not this year. After the thorough preparation during autumn and winter, to have the pinnacle regatta of this season cut from you, is a bitter blow. They will row on Saturday at Carrum to finish off their season.

Our thoughts are with you.

Winter Sculling

Published 10th June 2021

The first events of the seriesare another victim of Lockdown 4. The Club has a number of single sculls which can be used. If you are interested in using one, please speak with Meg Hester.

Remember that you need to register to enter and also you can register for the series.

Information about the Wintersculling series can be found here https://www.wintersculling.com.au/home/

The Schedule is below https://www.wintersculling.com.au/events/

Lighting requirements for rowing in the dark

Published 10 June 2021

Bow and Stern lights With the dark mornings now upon us it is crucial that all rowers who are on the water (and coaches on bikes and powerboats) between sunset and sunrise all have adequate lighting for your safety and the safety of others. Rowing boats, in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise, are required to exhibit; • Two all-round white lights, one attached to the boat at or near the forward or bow end, and one attached to the boat at or near the stern end. • Bow light - A continuous white light is considered acceptable if it is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre. • Stern light - A flashing white light is considered acceptable if it flashes at least once per second and is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre. • Not withstanding the above, it is considered acceptable for a light to be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the vessel’s occupants, provided at least one light is visible from any direction (see diagram below)

Coastal rowing at Mercs #2

Published 23rd May 2021

Ever thought about giving coastal rowing a try? If so email the Secretary and join our come and try days, 9.30am Sunday mornings at Port Melbourne Yacht Club.

We can't guarantee the beautiful weather of the past few weekends but you will enjoy the experience. We are even planning a trip to Williamstown soon.

Safety briefing

The double and quad head out for a session Sunday 23rd May

Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea

Republished 10th June 2021

Wild Fire Wines is a premium wine producer located near Warburton in the Upper Yarra Valley. One of the owners, and the chief winemaker, is John Harry, a club member. John competed at senior level in the 60s and 70s and was Captain of the Club; he is also a major supporter and Trustee of the Mercs Foundation.

Wild Fire has agreed to provide the Club with a substantial donation for each case of wine purchased by members and their friends and family. Bill Webster and Julie Orr are co- ordinating the recruitment of Mercs athletes to help publicise the sales effort. The Committee believes this program has great potential to assist our fundraising efforts and is keen for all Mercantilians to get behind it.

The Committee has sampled John’s offerings and is confident that members will find the wines of excellent quality, and good value. Wild Fire won two medals at the 2019 Victorian Wine Show (Riesling and Cabernet) on its first try so its future looks promising.

So, how can you help the Club?

Grab some wine at www.wildfirewines.com.au and enter the code "MERCANTILE" at checkout. This ensures any sales will be attributed to the Club.

This is an efficient and practical way for members to help the Club - we look forward to the development of the Wild Fire relationship as a solid source of funding for us for many years to come.

Member profiles

Published 10th June 2021 wo legends of the Club are given rowing profiles this month - past Captain and youth rowing mastermind, Simon Newcomb, and past Captain Richard Wraith. Both are great stories and worthy of you attention.

Simon Newcomb is one of a kind. He is an enthusiast whose vision is to enable everyone young person to have the opportunity to row. In pus=rsuing this aim, he started two rowing clubs, with one ending up to be one of the largest in Australia with over 250 young rowers at its peak.

Simon driving and passenger David Boykett head off to Adelaide for the 1961 King's Cup race which they won

Richard Wraith was one of our successful lightweights who has been one of our great administrators.

More profiles will follow during June.

We would welcome contributions on any current or past members. There are now well over 200 profiles of past and present members.