MERCANTILE CLUB

134th ANNUAL REPORT 2013– 2014

Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

WITH THANKS

Mercantile Rowing Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all our generous supporters and donors. Without their assistance, our club would not flourish.

Arthur Adams Arthur Atkins Mal Batten James Boomer Joan Burford Andrew Cannon Carbine Club Sean Colgan Estate of the Late Tony Cordell Lige Donald David Douglas Stephen Gillon Andrew Guerin John Harry James and Melvina Harvey Warwick Hutchins Murray Kellam Jeff Lawrence Stephen Macek Graeme McCall Victor Mulder Ronald Negri Peter O’Brien Ron Richardson Bill Webster E.C.White Trust David Yunghanns

In addition there are numerous other members who donated smaller amounts during the year. Every donation is appreciated.

‘Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though chequered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.’ – Theodore Roosevelt

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2013 - 14 OFFICE BEARERS

President Assistant Honorary Treasurer Mr. M. Batten OAM Mr. A. Phillips

Vice Presidents Safety Officer Mr. J.J. Lawrence Mr. M. French Mr. D.E.G. Colvin Mr. D. J. Yunghanns Social Secretary Mr. D.A. Pincus Mrs. S. Phillips (retired) Mr. R.B.Wilson Mr. W.B.Hutchins Club and Equipment Manager Mr. D.H.Boykett OAM Mr. Mark Groves Mr. A.M.Evans Mr. P. H. C. Edgar Mr. J. Tomkins OAM Head Coach and Chairman Of Mr. N. P. R. Batters Selectors Mr. W.H. Webster Mr. M. Fangen-Hall

Captain Committee Ms. R. Selby Smith Mr. M. Groves Mr. A. Sinclair Vice Captain Ms. H. Lewis Mr. S. Jackson Mr. R. Matthews Ms. H. Lewis Mr. T. Sholl Mr. A. Phillips Honorary Secretary Mr. D. Frawley Mrs. J. Fraumano Mr. M. French Mr. H. Edgar Ms. D. Bosler

Honorary Treasurer Honorary Solicitor Mr. D. MacKinnon Mr. J. Quill

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Mercantilians, I am pleased to provide confirm this culture of giving is alive and my President’s message for this, our well nurtured by Andrew Guerin and 134th Annual Report. friends. Andrew has an ambition to repay our bank loan and replenish to Club Member Honours self-sustainability the Freddy Frederico equipment fund. Pledges are well In 1986 presented a advanced on this ambition. medal to my crew at the Luzern regatta. It was clear on that day that he was very Barry Gross was a much loved member pleased to see Australia attain the long and veteran of the Vietnam war. Barry’s awaited top step, could Tommy have funeral was held at the club, this was a foreseen the Aussie success to come? very moving event that exemplified his commitment to be with Mercantile. This year at Luzern O.A.M Barry’s friends in the “Shilling Club” was awarded the highest honour in have generously donated funds to world Rowing, the purchase a new men’s 8 to be named as an expression of Drew’s wonderful after Barry. career and contribution to Rowing. Mercantile now has 3 recipients of this We also recognize the significant and rare medal, the most from any kind donation from Joan Burford to Australian rowing club. We will donate funds associated with her late celebrate Drew’s achievement in the husbands and past captain, John New Year with a dinner at the club. Burford’s estate. Joan’s donation has allowed us to purchase a much needed David Boykett has received the O.A.M new for the women’s team. award for a life time of service to Rowing. David excelled in all aspects of We also are pleased to recognize the the sport of rowing, as a competitor, Carbine Club and the generous coach, team manager, boat race official donation of a Coxed 4, thanks to Andy and administrator. Most of all, David Cannon for his facilitation and to Octor Boykett is an eternal club man with a Wilson for christening the boat. kind heart and the best interests of sportsmanship at all times. We honour the thoughtful and generous Congratulations also to long standing support from the above and other member Stuart McArthur AM for donors throughout the year. receiving his award for services to the community via a long and distinguished Sincere thanks to selfless members political career. who have included Mercantile in their will. May their pledge be long in coming.

Member Gifting Racing Teams Review Once for Mercantile always for Mercantile. Our Domestic season commenced very well with the successful defence on both The foundations of our club are literally our Women’s and Men’s senior 8 at the built upon the generosity and foresight head of the Yarra. of our Members. It is very pleasing to

4 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Mercantile was well represented in the shouldered at the Nationals and world winning circle at the 100th running of the cup, as well as for the work on the Henley regatta on the Yarra. Henley campaign.

We then have seen strong success the We are pleased to welcome Simon NSW and Vic champs culminating on Gadsden as our full time Talent crews winning National Championships pathway coach, this role is partially in Penrith. Congratulation go to our funded by the national talent ID Queens Cup crew, winning their 10th program. race in succession. Thanks also to John Saunders for the Mercantile has won the senior title from great work during the winter season VRA this year. with the youth men.

The culmination of the team’s efforts Rowing Australia is so pleased with the has seen a total of 15 gain national contribution of our head coach, Mark team selection across the categories Fangen-Hall that they decided to hire with more medals to add to our prized him! We thanks Mark for his contribution chest. Josh Dunkley-Smith has added and wish him and the AIS team all the to his impressive medal list for his best of success for the future. bronze in the 4-. Congratulation to all our National team members. This year above others has seen our dedicated coaching team work tirelessly Well done also to our master’s team for our crews. Without our coaches our who competed throughout the season team would a flounder upon the water. leading up to winning performances at the World Masters at Ballarat. My thanks and gratitude to each and all our coaches. Mercantile has once more competed as a club internationally with our Henley 8 winning at Dorney and competing very Clubhouse and Equipment well at the Henley race. It was great to see MERCS on the international stage. We are nearing the end of our 12 month warranty period with the penultimate are Well done also to our Youth men for of works now installed with a new audio participating in a 24 hour ergo challenge visual system in place. to raise money for “Kids with Leukaemia” and inadvertently letting The final items of hanging once more loose youth combined with the our considerable memorabilia has re Mercantile spirit to bag a world ergo commenced with the cheerful aid of record. Graeme Boykett at the helm with friends coming in to support the work. We look forward to viewing the arrangements at Thanks to our coaches the coming AGM on the 25th October 2014. Thanks to all our coaching team for another excellent year. Thanks in It is a pleasure to see rowers St particular to David Colvin, David Catherine’s and Brighton Grammar Fraumano, Dave McGrath and Ian enjoying the excellent facilities. Duthie for the work during the season, in particular for the extra load

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During the year via donations and direct at the regattas. Thanks also to all the purchase we have supported the fleet team including Dee Bosler,Richard with a Men’s 8, 3 coxed 4s, 5 single Wraith and Bill Webster for the excellent sculls, and 2 sets of oars. We have also organisation of the Scotch-Mercantile upgraded 2 utes for towing needs. Regatta.

The club house if performing very well Thanks to our executive committee for and fleet in good order. providing the steady hand to the tiller as we navigate our path through the Breakfast and newsletters continue smooth and choppy waters over the with success year. Particular thanks to Secretary and Team Manager Jenny Fraumano for the Our Saturday breakfast is now a unending support provided to the club, tradition that literally keeps the team to Treasurer Duncan MacKinnon for his fuelled and ready for more. Thanks to ever reliable assistance and steady all the wonderful volunteers for their council, to Captain Robyn Selby-Smith constant support. Thanks also to for the ergo battles and valuable council parents of St Catherine’s for pitching in and leadership, to Vice President Phil and supporting the breakfast. Batters for his support.

Our thanks to Dee Bosler for the work Thank you to our Vice Captains and on the newsletter and for the editorial general committee members. quality and organisational efforts needed to get “copy’ to print. The We recognize the important contribution newsletter in an important window into of Henry Edgar for his service as our the going on the club. nominee for the liquor licence. Thanks also to Andy Phillips for his work as With thanks to our trustees and Club house maintenance manager generous supporters We have completed a year of Mercantile stands to the fore because consolidation of our financial we rely on the leadership and vision of foundations and success on the water. our past office bearers. We recognise and thank the trustees for their support Thank you again to all the generous and governance: David Colvin, David contributions provide by our members, Boykett, Jeff Lawrence, Andrew Guerin, office bearers and coaches. Steve Gillan, Henry Edgar, Warwick Hutchins and Timothy Frederico. GO MERCS !

We thank our boat race officials, who Mal Batten OAM have once more umpired and officiated President

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CAPTAIN’S REPORT It horrifies me because I worry about Mercantile has had another year of what happens if that volunteerism dips. successes. Mercantile athletes can be It would take a long time for the effect to found in all of the Australian Rowing be obvious and if it could be turned Teams and raced a club crew with around it would be a very long and much success in Henley. The difficult process. Mercantile M8+ in Henley was narrowly beaten out of the final by the eventual Amazing to me, is that so many people winner. Special mention also to our volunteer so much for such intangible Head Coach Mark Fangen-Hall for return. Time and money is just poured coaching the LW2x at the World to a leaky bucket. I don’t know the Championships to 5th. Overall, the specific effect of all that time and Australian results at the World Rowing money, but I am very sure that if it Championships were good. I was, stopped rowing in Australia would suffer however, sad to see the W8+ out of the hugely - and not just on the Olympic A final. medal tally, at every level, right down to the vitality of Boathouse Drive. Each time I reflect upon Mercantile and its place in Australian rowing I am I wonder whether the AUS W8+ missing amazed, humbled and a little horrified at out on the A final at the 2014 World how much time, talent and money is Championships is an effect of no volunteered to the club and how much Australian women racing internationally the club relies on it. To build a strong in an 8+ for the three years between the rowing club takes a long time. Young, Beijing and London Olympics. Since talented, school age athletes training 2013 Australia has had junior, U23 and hard today will not be in Olympic teams open AUS W8+s. Building a program, for well over 4 years (it took me 13 however, is much more difficult than years from starting to row at keeping one going. Whether and how Mercantile). So the effects of today’s long it will be until Australia is again Mercantile will only be seen in the top fighting for a top spot in the W8+ is levels of Australian rowing performance impossible to know. in 5 to 10 years and beyond. And even if Mercantile is doing a fantastic job of There is no way to appropriately thank supporting young athletes to develop, the volunteers who make Mercantile the those athletes will also need support place it is. I hope that the appreciation from the State and National Institutes of all club members is obvious from the and Rowing Australia. enjoyment they get from being a member of Mercantile and the Mercantile is a fundamental and Australian rowing community. interwoven part of rowing in Australia, its impact is impossible to separate out Robyn Selby Smith and quantify accurately. This is why the Captain massive input of volunteers at Mercantile amazes me and horrifies me.

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TROPHIES

Captain’s Trophy Jeff Wylie Memorial Trophy This trophy is awarded annually to the member who has won the most Regatta The Perpetual Shield and Trophy for the and Club races during the season on most improved lightweight rower is the basis of one point for a win with one donated by the management and staff additional point for any championship. of Edward Lumley and Sons Pty Ltd and is awarded annually in memory of the For the 2013/14 season, the Captain’s late Jeff Wylie, a former captain of the Trophy is awarded to Charlotte Club. Sutherland. For the 2013/14 season, the Jeff Wylie Max Bailey Trophy Memorial Trophy is awarded to James Wilson. The Perpetual Shield and Trophy is awarded to the coxswain who has won F. R. Browne Memorial Trophy the most Regatta and Club races during the season on the basis of one point for The Perpetual Shield and Trophy is a win with one additional point for any donated by the family of the late F. R. championship. Browne for presentation to the most improved oarsman. For the 2013/14 season, the Max Bailey Trophy is awarded toSarah Banting. For the 2013/14 season, the F.R. Browne Memorial Trophy is awarded Dr R. A. Cooper Memorial Trophy toSalvador Henricus.

This trophy is made available by the H.R. Frederico Memorial Trophy generosity of the family of the late Dr. R. A. Cooper and is awarded annually to This trophy, made available by the late the member who, during the year, has Honourable Justice H. R. Frederico, is rendered the most outstanding service awarded annually to the most improved to the Club. oarswoman at the Club.

For the 2013/14 season, the Dr R. A. For the 2013/14 season, the H.R. Cooper Memorial Trophy is awarded Frederico Memorial Trophy is awarded toHannah Lewis. to Michelle Yann.

N. W. Cairnes Trophy Keith Bilney Coaches Trophy

This trophy is awarded to the most This trophy was established in the improved coxswain of the season. memory Keith Bilney who gave nearly 70 years of service to rowing as a For the 2013/14 season, the N.W. coxswain, sculler, oarsman, Cairnes Trophy is awarded toAnnabelle administrator but, most of all, as a Orr. coach.

8 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

He gave of his time freely instilling in his desire to win but with a balanced charges a love of the sport, a burning approach to life.

This trophy is awarded to the coach that accident while riding to Mercantile and is not necessarily the most successful in Jay remained a supporter of the club terms of race wins, but the one who until her passing in late 2006. It was does the most to teach oarsmen & Jay’s wish that a trophy be established oarswomen how to row, win races and for the Most Outstanding Oarswoman achieve their potential and in so doing each season. develop the foundations of the Club and build and maintain the attitudes of For the 2013/14 season, the Jay sportsmanship, dedication and loyalty. Loveless Trophy is awarded to Jennifer Cleary. For the 2013/14 season, the Keith Bilney Coaches Trophy is awarded to Most Outstanding Oarsman Trophy David Fraumano. With the establishment of the Loveless Jay Loveless Trophy Trophy, the Committee deemed it appropriate to establish a trophy for the This trophy was established as a result Most Outstanding Oarsman. of a bequest from the estate of the late Jay Loveless. Jay was the mother of For the 2013/14 season, the Most Ricky Loveless, who coxed for the Club Outstanding Oarsman Trophy is Ricky was tragically killed in a road awarded to Josh Dunkley-Smith.

9 HEAD COACH’S REPORT

The winter training period started with Name Boat Seat Result the club in full refurbishment mode. Charlotte BW4- 3 GOLD While we had a record number of Sutherland MEDAL member’s competing for the various Sophie BW8+ 2 4th National Teams we also had a sizable Sutherland core group who were training inside the Rachael BW8+ 1 4th shell and of course mostly outside in the Hooper winter weather that proved very Jennifer BW8+ 6 4th challenging to all. Cleary Sarah BW8+ Cox 4th The South East corner was resurrected Banting but on this occasion as a make shift Sean Lake LM1x 1 10th gym. Amidst dust, rubble and either Tim Cleary BM4x 2 9th rainwater or drain water the hard core Jordan BM8+ 1 10th continued their development. The ergs Hooper too took a tremendous battering not only from the athletes but also the At the Senior World Championships in testing conditions. Chungju, South Korea the following Mercantile members represented At the Junior World Championships in Australia: Trakai, Lithuania the following Mercantile members represented Name Boat Seat Result Australia: Josh M4- 4 SILVER Dunkley- MEDAL Name Boat Seat Result th Smith Liam Donald JM4- 4 8 Charlotte W4- 3 BRONZE (St Kevins) th Sutherland MEDAL Andrew JM4- 3 8 James LM4x 1 5th Maglio (BGS) th Wilson Amanda JW4x 3 7 Charlotte W8+ 7 5th Bateman Sutherland (Firbank) th Katrina W8+ 4 5th Olivia Zago JW8+ 1 7 Bateman (Genazzano) th th Tom Swann M2x 1 8 Lucy JW8+ 2 7 Jenifer W4x 3 8th Tomanovits Cleary (Genazzano) th Rebekah W4x 1 8th Rachel Engle JW8+ 3 7 Hooper (Carey) th Katrina W2- 1 12th Sophie JW8+ 4 7 Bateman Coltman

(Lauriston) The following coaches were also selected to coach on the National Teams: At the Under 23 World Championships Mark Fangen-Hall – BW4-, W4- and co- in Linz, Austria the following Mercantile coach W8+ members represented Australia: David “Fradge” Fraumano – BLM1x

Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Dave “Coach” McGrath – U21 Team race ahead of this composite crew. This Sandy Mitchell – U21 Team year a male B crew of recent ex- Tom Abramowski – JW8+ athletes also took to the waters stroked by Eddie Inostroza. Upon the return of the national teams there was very little time before Interest now focused on the December everyone was required to start the 2014 National Trials and then the Club season. NTC Trials loomed as did the Annual Camp. The Trials were held in ever-popular Heads in November. Penrith, NSW and were a series of 5Km time trials. After the Christmas break we To help start the Head season we all convened at the Club on January 2nd targeted Goulburn Head with wins in and moved much of the clubs fleet and FO8+, MO4x, MO4- and MC1x ergs to Johnsonville.

To follow we used the Head The purpose of the camp is three fold: as a warm up for the Head of the Yarra. to build volume, try new skills and drills, In the morning we had wins in the MO2x and to confirm line-ups for the regatta (Day & Day) but the main events were season. It is a long camp of ten days held in the afternoon so we could and this may well be too long now that continue the all-important training for most are completing a challenging the Head of the Yarra the following annual programme but without doubt week. This time MUBC MO8+ took they the crews return in good form and eager honours but our 1st and 2nd VIII’s came to race. This camp also saw the arrival second and third respectively. The of our new Youth and some Junior success of the day though was with the members. FO8+ where our ladies came 1st and 3rd – the second crew only 2 second behind We returned to Melbourne on Jan 12th the MUBC 1st VIII. and some go straight onto the National Training Camps but for the rest it’s time A week later the big event was upon us. to continue the volume and preparation The usual competition was expected for our traditional warm up regatta at from our local and interstate rivals but Barwon. With 13 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 this year the return of an “All star crew” Bronze we ended up 2nd on the medal in the FO8+ was the biggest challenge table behind the local hosts of Barwon to our domination of the whole event. who are fast becoming a strong club competitor. While the men had been beaten the previous week we were confident that This season the committee gave was not going to happen for a second permission for a crew to train and time and we would peak for this most prepare for . Due important Head race of all. to the costs involved we decided to invert the normal training programme so 2013 Head of the Yarra will be that they could build their training remembered as a great club day. Wins towards departure date of June. This in the MO8+ as well as the FO8+ were meant reducing the focus in January only just more exciting than the and February and then ramping the incredible performances of the second loading post Nationals. crews. The Male B crew came in 3rd overall while the women’s second crew Meanwhile Barwon Regatta was not the racing in FO8+ were only 4 seconds off only practice that we get before we the All Star Crew and at points in the travel north to NSW State

11 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Championships. This year we sent the selection for the National Teams at non NSW crews plus a few others to stake (in 2015 they will form the Wendouree Ballarat for further practice selection for Final Trials) we returned for NSW but also a recce for the Vic eager to perform at our own Victoria State Champs. State Championships. In the weekend in between though we were delighted to Mercantile topped the medal table with race at the Australian Henley. This 7 Gold, 5 Silver and 1 Bronze. The provided good format training for the Henley crew dominated their events and Henley Royal crew in the MO8+ but we the rest all showed good speed for the also entered the FU4+, FO1x, MO1x upcoming State Championships. and FO8+ who won all their events.

At the NSW State Champs this year, This year the Vic State Championships like last year, the results in the small returned to Ballarat. Due to the draught boat events, which we concentrate on, many had not rowed at this Olympic decide the selection for the World Cup 1 venue. True to predictions there were which would be held in March the some testing conditions but this was following month. one of those events where every single member and of course each coach The following were selected for the played a vital role in the huge success National Team in World Cup 1: of the weekend. To say Mercantile dominated the Championships does not Name Boat Seat Result do justice to the efforts of the crews. Jennifer W4x Stroke GOLD With 24 Gold, 13 Silver and 5 Bronze Cleary MEDAL our club had more than double the John Linke M4x Bow GOLD amount of GOLD of the next and 1 MEDAL nearest club and also won more Josh M8+ Stroke GOLD SILVER than that same club and the Dunkley- 1 MEDAL same number of BRONZE. In total we Smith won 42 medals and MUBC achieved 25. Josh M4- Stroke BRONZE We simply had a great weekend! Dunkley- 2 MEDAL Smith In what is now becoming a more familiar David M8+ 6 seat 4th format for the Scotch Mercantile Crawshay 2 Regatta the selected State Team David M4- Bow 5th athletes were on show at the mainly Crawshay 3 schoolboy regatta. Due to the Fiona W2x Stroke 7th predominance of the junior events we Albert 2 did not win the medal table but still Michelle W2- Stroke 9th came away with 5 GOLD, 4 Silver and 2 Yann 4 BRONZE. Pauline W2- Bow 8th Frasca 2 To end the normal club season the Katrina W2- Bow 10th Nationals were once again held at the Bateman 3 Sydney Olympic venue in Penrith. Charlotte W2- Bow 11th Sutherland 1 To end the season for those who competed in the Final Trials the

selections were as follows: While the NSW State Champs have taken on a new importance with Junior Team

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Name Boat Seat Fiona Albert Women Amanda JW1x Sculling Bateman Reserve (Firbank) John Linke Men Lachlan May JM4+ Stroke Sculling (MGS) Reserve Andrew Judge JM4+ 3 (MGS) Angus JM4+ 2 2015 Season Beckingsale (MGS) Winter training can be challenging at the Angus JM4+ Bow best of times but we now have a shed Robinson that we can be really proud of. The club (MGS) stands out for many reasons and not least the freshness of the exterior; U23 Team inside the new layout and modern Name Boat Seat facilities are truly inspiring and Addy Dunkley- BW8+ 2 downstairs there are new boats to Smith accommodate almost all our needs. BW8+ 3 Very few clubs have this advantage and Sarah Banting BW8+ Cox we have the committee to thanks for their vision and energy to see the Senior A Team refurbishment project through. Name Boat Seat Josh Dunkley- M4- Stroke We can also welcome Simon Gadsden Smith to our coaching team. Simon has been David M8+ 2 the State HPDC and has been Crawshay immersed in all the high performance successes so we are delighted to have Jenifer Cleary W4x Stroke him on board at Mercantile – his old W8+ Stroke club! Michelle Yann W8+ 7

Pauline W8+ 5 Frasca Mark Fangen-Hall Katrina W8+ 3 Mercantile Head Coach Bateman Charlotte W2- Bow Sutherland

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RESULTS - SEASON 2013 / 14

Head of Goulburn Open M8+: S. Lake, D. Frawley, MO4-: S. Jackson Henricus, L. McKinnon, P. Boomer, FO8+: Sutherland Curnow, Donald, J. Cleary, Morgan MOL4-: Day B Grade M2-: O’Malley, Curnow Open F8+: K. Werry, C. Canty, J. 2013 Dimboola Regatta Cleary, F. Albert, B. Steele, Daniher, O. M1x A Grade: W.Day Sibillin, E. Biasotto, A. Orr M2x A Grade: W. Day, T. Day Open M1x: S. Jackson Mixed 2x: Wells, Day B Grade M2x: Creber, Creber

2013 Carrum Regatta 2014 Wendouree Ballarat Regatta Open M1x: W. Day Open F2-: K. Werry, A. Dunkley-Smith Open M2x: W. Day, T. Day Open M2-: L. Donald, A. Curnow Open M1x: J. Wilson 2013 Melbourne Head U21 F4+: R. Engel, S. Coltman, E. MO2x: W. Day, T.Day Biasotto,O. Sibillin, S. Banting MM8+: W. Webster Open M2x: J. Wilson, D. Jackson WO8+: C. Sutherland, S. Sutherland, P. Open M4-: P. Boomer, A. Curnow, L. Frasca, K. Bateman, M. Yann, J. Donald, Cleary Cleary, K. Hornsey, S. Tait, S. Banting Open M4x: A. Curnow MClub 1x: T. Sholl WClub 1x: C. Canty 2014 Australian Henley U21 F4+: R. Engel, S. Coltman, E. 2013 Head of the Yarra Biasotto, O. Sibillin, Z. Carr B M8+: A. Cleary, D. Frawley, L. A Grade F1x: J. Cleary McKinnon, J. Hooper, A. Curnow, C. A Grade M1x: S. Jackson Grace, P. Browne, W. Day, A. Morgan Open F8+: K. Werry, A. Dunkley-Smith, Open F8+: S. Tait, K. Hornsey, J. B. Daniher, B. Steele, M. Yann, S. Cleary, M. Yann, K. Bateman, P. Sutherland, P. Frasca, K. Hornsey, S. Frasca, R. Hooper, C. Sutherland, S. Banting Banting. Open M8+: S. Lake, J. Linke, P. Open M8+:R. Matthews, S. Jackson, J. Boomer, A. Curnow, L. Donald, D. Wilson, P. Boomer, S. Lake, D. Crawshay, F. Pragnell, J. Dunkley- Crawshay, F. Pragnell, J. Dunkley- Smith, A. Morgan Smith, A. Morgan. 2014 Scotch Mercs 2014 Barwon Regatta Open M1x: J. Linke U21 F2-: E. Biasotto, O. Sibillin Open MLW1x: J. Wilson U23 F2-: K. Werry, A. Dunkley-Smith Open M2-: J. Dunkley-Smith, U23 M2-: Donald, Curnow Open F2-: C. Sutherland U23 F1x: J. Cleary Open F4-: P. Frasca, Sutherland U23 M1x: R. Matthews Open F1x: J. Cleary 2014 Australian Nationals Open M4+: P. Boomer, L. McKinnon, Open F4x: C. Canty Donald, Curnow, Morgan Open F2-: M. Yann Open F2x: F. Albert, J. Cleary Open W8+: C. Sutherland, P. Frasca, K. Bateman, M. Yann Open M4x: S. Jackson

14 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Open M2-: J. Dunkley-Smith 2014 Geelong Regatta U23 W8+: A. Dunkley-Smith, K. Werry, MM2x: R.Perillo O. Sibillin, R. Hooper, S. Coltman, R. MM4+: W.Webster Engel, A. Marulli, E. Biasotto, S. Banting U21 W4+: O. Sibillin, E. Biasotto, S. Coltman, R. Engel 2014 Victorian Masters Club M4-: D. Frawley, P. Boomer, L. MMF2x: R.Perillo McKinnon, S. Henricus MMD4+: W.Webster MMD8+: W.Webster 2014 Banks Masters MME8+: W.Webster MM2-: C.Kimpton MM4+: R.Dawson 2014 Australian Masters XM4x+: G.Hansen, D.MacKinnon D M4+: W. Webster E M4+: W. Webster 2014 Geelong Masters E M8+: W. Webster MM2-: C.Kimpton G M4+: W. Webster MM4+: A.Phillips G M8+: W. Webster MM8+: R.Perillo H M8+: W. Webster

15

SECRETARY’S REPORT

It certainly has been a big year for Mercantile, with amongst other things, mingle and chat together during the settling into our renovated boathouse break between the sessions.

Committee After 24 hours on the ergo our youth The work on the Committee front never boys were still firing away,after breaking seems to end and the keenness of the under 19 world championship 24 Committee members to put up their hour ergo record at 9.30am, with hands to assist is fantastic. choruses of “Go Mercs” as they all supported each other through the final In my first year as secretary, I have part of the challenge. been very grateful for the continued assistance of Dee Bosler, for her work The 2014 Henley Eight “The on the Mercantile Web Site and the Brotherhood’ were impressive, and a Mercantilian, a newsletter that I know all pleasure to travel with. Not only did they the members look forward to. row well, but were well liked and highly respected by other crews and all on the Our Treasurer Duncan MacKinnon’s Riverbank. endless help is appreciated- he seems to be able to locate past documents in a The help of so many makes for the flash at any hour, and has chaired many smooth running of the Club and travel to of our Committee meetings (in addition Regattas. Thanks in particular to Bob to being our Treasurer) Lachal for assisting with driving our trailer interstate. Thanks to all who have participated in the preparation of the Annual Report, The athletes rally around to support with the majority of reports being sent in their colleges raising funds for overseas on time made the exercise a lot easier. travel and representation in the Australian under 23 crews. Our Vice Captains Hannah and Shane have been a vital link between the Only last week during breaky, Red Executive, Committee and the Athletes, Mathews broke the Mens lightweight 30 and their assistance is really minute ergo, with the assistance of appreciated. other athletes on five minute rotations.

The work of the Executive seems I suspect it is this Mercantile spirit that endless, with endless hours being put in may have been our secret weapon over by Mal Batten, Robyn Selby- Smith, and many years, and has been instrumental Duncan MacKinnon, bringing different in Mercantile’s success skills and views to the many decisions to be made. Thanks to James Harvey for his work in keeping all the older members up to The Spirit of Mercantile date with happenings at the Club. It is I never cease to marvel at the always a pleasure to see the wider magnificent Mercantile Spirit. It is spectrum of membership at the evident at Saturday morning breakfasts, President’s Lunches and I do enjoy where the newest and oldest athletes reading the stories of adventures of past Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report times. It would appear that many AGMs To all of our athletes who have been were lively affairs! training hard over Winter, I wish you Thanks to all the parents and every success in the coming season supporters who make the breakfasts possible, particularly welcomed by the athletes during the winter training period Jenny Fraumano Honorary Secretary

Attendance at Committee Meetings At the time of printing, six meetings have been held since the 2013 AGM. Attendance is as follows:

H. Edgar 2 M. Batten 5 D. Bosler 3 M. Groves 0 P. Batters 0 R. Selby Smith 5 A. Sinclair 2 S. Phillips 3 D. MacKinnon 6 A. Phillips 3 J. Fraumano 6 R. Matthews 2 H. Lewis 6 S. Jackson 5 M. Fangen-Hall 1 T. Scholl 3 M. French 1 D. Frawley 2

17 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

MERCANTILE KAYAK CLUB ANNUAL REPORT

This year has been a mixed been an On the marathon front Marlena again exciting one for the kayak club, starting won the under 23 ladies Australian title, off with moving into our new permanent before going on to finish 9th at the world space when the renovations were championships in Oklahoma USA. complete. A big change and a great improvement from our shipping On the surf lifesaving front, many container. Luxuries like lights so stories and hard luck stories allowing us to see our boats when we eventuated, however Robbi Brain put in get them out of the space in the depths a Stella performance to place 3rd in the of winter have been most enjoyable. masters ski at the Australian championships. On the competition front the year kicked off with Mathew French winning another Tim Altman again and a dominate National wild water racing championship ocean racing season in Victoria and on the snowy river. went on to finish 10th at the Molokai ocean racing world championships race. The Sprint racing season was a This race is held between two of the successful one with Marlena Ahrens Hawaii Islands and involves a 50km Tom Hedditch and Chris Smith all ocean crossing between 2 Islands. After picking up medals at state this race due to good early season championships and making finals at races Tim was sitting 2nd on the world national under 23 championships. rankings, unfortunately since then he has slipped down the rankings. The kayak squad had had a busy year of international visitors, starting out with All in all it has been another successful Chris from Canada, followed by Emil year for the kayak club. We are looking from Sweden and finally Gerald from forward to another fun year. Singapore in just the last few weeks. Both Chris and Emil contributed to the Mathew French training group and on their returns to President Mercantile Kayak Club Canada and Sweden needed up making National finals at sprint championships.

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BOATS & EQUIPMENT REGISTER

A full list of the Club’s equipment and the condition thereof is detailed below:

Boat Make Type Year Condition John Burford Hudson 8+ 2013 Excellent Barry Gross Sykes 8+ 2011 Excellent 5429 Unnamed Sykes 8+ 2011 Excellent Henry Edgar Sykes 8+ 2005 Excellent David Colvin Sykes 8+ 2003 Very Good Andrew Guerin Sykes 8+ 2003 Very Good Geoff Barden Ausrowtec 8+ 1998 Good JJ Lawrence 11 Sykes 8+ 1997 Good Empacher 8+ 1990 Poor Kate Hornsey Sykes 4-/4x 2011 Excellent Sykes 4-/4x 2011 Excellent Sykes 4-/4x 2011 Excellent Sykes 4-/4x 2009 Excellent Fleur Chew Sykes 4-/4x 2009 Excellent Richard Wraith Sykes 4-/4x 2008 Excellent R R Aitken Sykes 4- 2002 Good Warwick Hutchins Sykes 4+ 2014 Excellent Jenny Fraumano Sykes 4+ 2014 Excellent Carbine Club Sykes 4+ 2012 Excellent M Teasdale Johnston 4+ 2006 Very Good Trader Al Sykes 4+ 1994 Fair Josh Dunkley- Smith Sykes 2-/2x 2011 Excellent 5192 Unnamed Sykes 2-/2x 2011 Excellent Bill Tait Sykes 2-/2x 2011 Excellent Pauline Frasca Sykes 2-/2x 2010 Excellent Roger Wilson Sykes 2-/2x 2008 Excellent John Shears Sykes 2-/2x 2008 Excellent Bob Lachal Sykes 2-/2x 2006 Excellent Peter Philp Sykes 2-/2x 2004 Excellent Robyn Selby Smith Sykes 2-/2x 2004 Excellent Andrew Cannon Sykes 2-/2x 2005 Excellent David Fraumano Sykes 2-/2x 2004 Excellent Harry Mahoney Sykes 2-/2x 2003 Good Lucky Tony Walker Sykes 2-/2x 2002 Fair Neil Hewitt Sykes 2-/2x 2002 Good David Douglas Sykes 2-/2x 2002 Fair

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Garth Manton Sykes 2-/2x 2002 Fair Sykes 2-/2x 2002 Good David Pincus Sykes 2-/2x 1993 Fair White Double S&B 2x Fair The Breakfast Mums Sykes 1x 2014 Excellent Duncan MacKinnon Sykes 1x 2014 Excellent Unnamed Sykes 1x 2014 Excellent

Oars Mixed sweep & sculling 146 Croker/Concept oars Good

Ergometers 13 Concept 2 Model D 2011 Good 22 Concept 2 Ergo Sliders 2011 Good

Speed Boat LL513 Quintrex 2008 Good

O/B Motors Yamaha 20 HP 2008 Good

Vehicles BF95BI Toyota Hilux Utility 2010 Very Good YOM276 Nissan Navara 2011 Very Good D61456 Sykes Boat Trailer 1997 Good Q72331 Tracer Boat Trailer 1996 Good S54002 Dunbier Speedboat Trailer 2008 Very Good

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FINANCE REPORT

It’s certainly an interesting time in the large or small the donation, the Club club’s 134 year history to be treasurer! appreciates your support. In October last year we completed the majority of the $2m renovation and In our spare time(!), Andy Phillips and I moved in on time & under budget. Even have moved our accounting system to after the welcome support from the “the cloud”, which has significantly Endowment Fund and our two tenants, reduced our workload, by providing Brighton Grammar School and St faster invoicing, statement generation Catherine’s School, we have needed a and reconciliation of bank balances. $250k loan to fund the balance. We are We’re looking forward to adding a chipping away at it, and I exhort membership management system later members to make tax-deductible this year which should assist in keeping donations (using the online facility or track of all our Mercantilians, old & new. downloadable form available on the club’s website) to help extinguish the In terms of the overall result, the debt as soon as possible. auditors hadn’t completed their review at the time of going to press and so I am Of course it’s not all about the unable to report a result. The report will boathouse. On our shiny new racks be available at the Annual General we’ve added to our fleet by buying two Meeting and will be published on the VIIIs (thanks to the generosity of the website soon after. Schilling Club and Joan Burford), a double, three singles, ten sweep oars, Duncan MacKinnon two wattbikes, an erg – and a Honorary Treasurer replacement ute. With these acquisitions we’ve been assisted by the Frederico Fund and generous payment terms provided by Jeff Sykes & Associates. In addition, we have gratefully received donations from members, some of whom are listed at the front of this report, while others remain anonymous. No matter how

21 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

R.A. COOPER FUND

The Cooper Fund provides funds for members who have been selected into Your trustees are David Colvin and Australian teams. No distributions were Andrew Guerin. made this year and the market value of investments increased by 30%.

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MERCANTILE ROWING CLUB ENDOWMENT FUND

The Endowment Fund was established replenished through income from in 1980, by past President Jim Sprigg rentals upon completion. with a substantial donation. The fund is intended to provide the Club with a level The Fund has an existing project, of security in an uncertain world. namely to support the establishment of the Frederico Fund. The net income of The Club does not have an institutional the Fund is provided to the Frederico or government backer to provide Fund to assist in the establishment of its assistance in our attempts to remain at capital base. the leading edge of the sport. The Trustees have agreed with the Club to The trustees are David Boykett, Andrew back the rebuilding project with the full Guerin and Jeff Lawrence. resources of the fund. However the trustees do require that the fund be

23 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

HUBERT FREDERICO EQUIPMENT FUND

The Frederico Fund is designed to support of the Fund. The trustees are provide the Club with a regular annual trying to build up the capital of this amount for equipment purchases. The fund.This yea, an excess distribution of fund draws its income from donations $3,046 was made and market value of and in particular the Australian Sports investments has increased by 37%. Foundation donations received from members. The trustees would like to Your trustees are Warwick Hutchins, thank Sean Colgan for his generous Tim Frederico and Andrew Guerin.

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MEMBERS 2013/ 14

MEMBERS 2013 / 14 Total Female Male 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Life 0 16 16 16 15 15 15 Senior 45 144 189 192 196 253 238 Junior 47 58 105 56 28 41 60 Country 5 33 38 33 32 42 42 Associate 4 14 18 16 10 18 8 Total 101 265 366 313 281 369 363 Life Hawkins John Ainsworth Phil Hewitt OAM H. Neil Boykett OAM David Holyman G. Ian Guerin Andrew N Hume Ken Harvey James Kellam AO Murray Owen Martin Lachal Bob Sorani Ted Lewis Colin D Colgan Sean Mahoney Harry Colvin David Manton Garth Cooper OAM Andrew D Marley Derek Crawshay David McCall Graeme W Donaldson Noel Mulder Victor Ginn OAM Drew O'Brien Peter Lawrence Jeffrey Oliver AM Richard McKay OAM Michael Palfreyman David Tomkins OAM James Richardson Ron H Webster William Rowe AM John S Senior Shanasy John Shears John Adams QC Arthur Walker Tony Anderson Warwick Wallace Bill Atkins DFC Arthur Wilson OAM Roger Bailey William Yunghanns David J. Batters Philippe Ahrens Marlena S. Bostock John B Albert Fiona Boykett Graeme Allen Roger Dawes Brian Altman Timothy J. Dawson Ray Arnold Timothy De Guingand Chris Banting Sarah Douglas David Barden Geoff Duthie Ian R. Barns Graeme Evans Andrew M Bateman Katrina Fogarty Michael Batten Philippa Gillon Stephen Batten OAM Malcolm Harding Paul Bergelin Anthony

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Bongiorno Harrison J Hester Meghan Boomer Patrick J Holovics Adam Bosler Danae Hooper Rachael Boultbee John Hornsey Kate Brain Robert Hutchins Tom Brighthope Daniel Hutchins Warwick Browne Peter Inglis Anthony Burns Donald Inostroza Eduardo D Bush Chris Jackson Shane Campbell Angus Jefferson Debbie Cannon Andrew Jenner Sebastian Canty Clare Johnson Anthony Carrier Lachlan F.D. Kimpton Colin Carty Elizabeth King Melinda P Chew Fleur A Kovacs Andrew Cleary Jennifer Lake Sean Cleary Tim Law Alex Crabtree MaryJane Lewis Hannah Crawshay Siobhan Lincoln John Crouch James Linke John Curnow Andrew Linke Richard Daniher Rebecca Macek Steven Day William MacIntosh Callie De Garis Peter Mackay Sue-Virginia de Lang David MacKinnon Duncan Donovan Michael Mardjetko Joanna Dunkley-Smith Addy Marshall Ken Dunkley-Smith Josh Martin Emily Edgar Henry Marulli Adriana Edwards Rod Matthews Redmond Fangen-Hall Mark McDonald Bridget FitzPatrick George C McDonald Douglas Foster Peter McDonald Wesley Fraumano Jenny McKinnon Lachlan Frawley Darcy McMinn Euan Frederico H. Tim McVicker Hugh R S French Mathew Miller Brodie M Furlong Jonathan C Moore Denis P. Grace Conor Moreton Stewart Greenland Kade A R Morgan Alice Griffiths Ronald Morris David Hansen Greg Morrison Bruce Harrison Simon Morrison Simon Hasforth Blair Moseley Rod Hayden Sam Nickson John Hedditch Tom Orr Annabelle Henricus Salvador E Pane Anna T 26 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Patten Sam Arundel Max Perillo Roberto Ballerini Ruby Petley Jackie Bardoel Juliana M Phillips Andrew C Bateman Amanda R. Phillips Susie Biasotto Emily Philp Peter Blake Michael Picken Andrew J Blomley Hugo A Poynton Elliot Bowes Julia E D Quill Justin Bray Thomas Ratcliffe Christopher Brown Maddison Sandow Jack Cameron Clare E Sarjeant Hugh Carlisle-Goldblatt Jessica Saunders John Carlisle-Goldblatt Mitchell Schoner Simon Checkley Erin E Selby Smith Robyn Clarke Alexander J Sholl Tyson Clarke Darcie E Simpson Christine Clough Joshua R Sinclair Andrew Coburn Luke M Singleton Glenn Coltman Sophie Sloan Alex T Coombs Hugh B T Smith Christopher A Corcoran Francis P. Steele Brittany Creber Thomas W. Stephenson Deb Curnow Dylan A Sutherland Charlotte Delis Christopher Sutherland Sophie Dickson Greta C Swann Thomas Donald Liam Tait Bill Douglas Alexander R B Tait Sarah Dunlop Richard A N Thompson Jeffrey Elliot Lucy Tierney Haydn Engel Rachel Tierney Scott Evans Jessica F Tomanovits Peter Fahey Erin A van Berge Henegouwen Maarten Farrar Angus D Viner Wayne H Farrar Madeleine Webley Emma R Fleming Caitlin M Werry Katrina Foster Nicholas L Wertheimer, AM RFD Colonel John Gardiner Olivia Wickes Rosita A Geczy Quentin E Wijnen Pernette P. Graham Isobel M W Williams Jennifer Grant Katie V Wilson James S. Hamilton Fergus Wilson Rohan Heber Ayrton Wraith Richard Heng Griffin Yann Michelle Herbert Thomas P Junior Hilditch Hunter F Acheson Amelia E Hooper Samuel E Johnson-King Georgia 27 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Johnston Nicholas Turek Evelyn E Jones Jazz Ward Clare M Jones Majella Waters James M. Judge Andrew P Wheeler Jack Keeble Hunter H M Widdicombe Angus Keppell Olivia A Williams Alexandra (Didi) Kerr Isabella M Williams Oscar J Kinsman Alex Zago Olivia Kloufetos John Zammit Jessica E Lawrence Charlotte Zhang Roy Legge William Country Lehnacker Will Corben Mal Lincoln Thomas Johnson E. Ted Loschiavo Sophia McArthur AM Stewart Maglio Andrew McLean Russell Maimur Ellyse L Newcomb OAM Simon H Maloney Angus F Wilson Ian March Bailey R Aitken Martin May Lachlan H C Baillieu William McNeil Cate V Blacker Nalini McNeil Sean Blain Patrick Michelson Adela M Boykett Peter Mullaly Nicholas Burton Ian Osianlis Dimitri Cayzer Philip Page Emilie R A Connolly Mark Petryshyn Kimberley Daffy Tom Petsinis Jack A Date Courtney Pike Harrison Dodwell Benjamin Ponsford Fraser G Donoghue J. Doug Poynton Nathaniel Ginn Dennis R Puddy Rhiannon Groves Mark Roberts Archie Harry John Robertson Jack D Kennedy Regina Robinson Gus Kovacic Jason Robinson James McDonald Emily Ruscoe Betsy McNamara Pat Schlaghecke Louis J McNeil Andrew S. Shaw Emily L McNeil Neville N Sibillin Olivia Nickson Amanda Simm Georgia O'Halloran Martin Snell Abbey V O'Neill Cameron Spargo Jack W Parmenter Brian Stefanac Alexander Patterson Celia Stewart Georgia L Patterson George Titeu David M Pritchard Iain Tomanovits Lucy Schreier Paul Tunbridge Benjamin G 28 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

Somerville Paul Moreton Richard Tyrrell Marcus C. Nickson Thomas J. Young Tim Pincus David Tennent Jan M. Associate Watkins Rod Ambrose Andrew

Cleary Andrew

Curnow David Doyle Mark Fowles Will Fox Jessica Frasca Pauline A. Fraumano David Fraumano Gary A. Lovell Matthew Matthies Jennifer McGann Paul

McGrath David

29 Mercantile Rowing Club – 134th Annual Report

With thanks to…

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