JANUARY 2021 NEWS
Provided by your faithful correspondent Trident.
Past News can be found via the links on the right of this page
Above: Rutherglen Regatta Mixed Eight
News covered this month:
• Henley Eve Cocktail Party • Wendouree Ballarat Entries • New coastal double arrives • NSW Championships • Vale Reg McKay • Drew Ginn speaks to Ben Ibrahim this Sunday night • Ballarat Regatta in review • Rutherglen Regatta • Australian Championships Update • Club rowing takes off • Mercs goes coastal • Changing room lockers are now available for rental • Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea • 2020-21 dates • Vale Simon Rees • Member profiles
Henley Eve Cocktal Party
Published 1st February 2021
Now that we can join together again in social surrounds, we look forward to meeting members at the Henley Eve Cocktail Party - details below. Bookings can be made through this link: https://www.mercantile.org.au/events/86265/.
The function starts at 6pm with the following boat christenings at 6.30pm:
Jen Cleary
Graeme Boykett
Tom Swann
Tim Frederico
Wendouree Ballarat Entries
Published 28th January 2021
Ballarat entries for this weekenmd follow.
Event Crew Athletes
Mercantile/Melbourne MO2- Alexander Wolf, Frederick Roper University
MO2- Mercantile Benjamin Canham, Sam Marsh
MU232- Mercantile Jack Guy, Harry Amad
MU212- Mercantile Thomas Hackett, Hamish Nicol
MU212- Mercantile Jakub Williams, Samuel Waugh
MLW1X Mercantile Jordan Roberts
MO1X Mercantile Redmond Matthews
MO1X Mercantile Kane Grant
MO1X Mercantile Joel Cain
MO1X Mercantile James Crouch
MO1X Richmond Dario Sportelli
MU231X Mercantile James Forwood
MU211X Mercantile Sam Wilson
MU211X Mercantile Lachlan Wilmot
MU211X Mercantile Jackson Morrish
FO2- Mercantile Alex Vuillermin, Alexandra Viney
FU212- Mercantile Hannah Magasanik, Odette Lynch FU212- Mercantile Teagan Blythe, Louise Carr
FO1X Mercantile Anna Kirkwood
FU231X Mercantile Emmie Frederico
FU231X Mercantile Aphrodite Gioulekas
FU231X Mercantile Aleisha Ward
FU231X Mercantile Phoebe Wolf
FU211X Mercantile Claudia Clements
FU211X Mercantile Anna Morrison
FLW1X Mercantile Olivia Evans
FLW1X Mercantile Demetria Kyriacopoulos
Charlie Clarke, Flynn Stimpson, Joshua MU214+ Mercantile Bortolussi, Dom Frederico, Phillip Tran(c)
Jordan Roberts, Zac Crawley, Joshua MU214+ Mercantile Murphy, Liam Burke, Christophe Wellink(c)
Olivia Sargeant, Paige Barr, Emily FU214+ Mercantile Sutherland, Sophie Reinehr, Hayley Verbunt(c)
Louisa Bongrain, Mimmi Balaam, Anneka FU214+ Mercantile Davys, Millie Whitehead, Jemima Howell(c)
MO2X Mercantile Redmond Matthews, Kane Grant
MO2X Mercantile/Richmond James Crouch, Dario Sportelli
MU212X Mercantile Jackson Morrish, Sam Wilson
FO2X Mercantile Anna Kirkwood, Emmie Frederico Melbourne FO2X Sophie Walmsley, Phoebe Wolf University/Mercantile
FLW2X Mercantile Olivia Evans, Demetria Kyriacopoulos
Jordan Roberts, Liam Burke, Charlie Clarke, Zac Crawley, Joshua Murphy, MU218+ Mercantile Flynn Stimpson, Joshua Bortolussi, Dom Frederico, Phillip Tran(c)
Benjamin Whitmee, Hamish Nicol, Thomas Hackett, Lachlan Wilmot, Jakub MU218+ Mercantile Williams, Patrick Somerville, Samuel Waugh, Richard Sammells, Christophe Wellink(c)
Louisa Bongrain, Mimmi Balaam, Anneka Davys, Millie Whitehead, Emily FU218+ Mercantile Sutherland, Paige Barr, Olivia Sargeant, Sophie Reinehr, Hayley Verbunt(c)
Jack Guy, James Forwood, Joel Cain, MO4- Mercantile Harry Amad
Benjamin Canham, Alexander Wolf, MO4- Mercantile Composite Frederick Roper, Sam Marsh
Alex Vuillermin, Aleisha Ward, Aphrodite FO4- Mercantile Gioulekas, Alexandra Viney
Eliza Planincic, Jemima Dwyer, Claudia FO4X- Mercantile Clements, India Flamsteed
Teagan Blythe, Louise Carr, Anna FB4+ Mercantile Morrison, Odette Lynch, Sophie May(c)
FA2X Mercantile Eliza Planincic, Jemima Dwyer
FA2X Mercantile Annika Spiers, Gemma Sibillin
MB1X Mercantile Benjamin Whitmee
MU191X Mercantile Sam Wilson
Jemima Dwyer, Eliza Planincic, Annika Spiers, Anna Morrison, Teagan Blythe, FB8+ Mercantile Louise Carr, Gemma Sibillin, Odette Lynch, Sophie May(c) FA1X Mercantile Louise Carr
FA1X Mercantile Odette Lynch
FA1X Mercantile Annika Spiers
MB2- Mercantile Thomas Hackett, Hamish Nicol
New coastal double arrives
Published 24th January 2021
Mercs coastal rowing was boosted this week by the arrival of a coastal double scull - the racing car of coastal rowing.
The new boat made by Liteboats with its collapsible trailer for transportation.
To test it out, Tim Frederico and your correspondent went for a spin on Port Phillip on a glorious summer morning. With quality sculling and superb conditions, it was magic.
Looking back to city from Port Phillip.
If a member is interested in coastal rowing, please call the Captain or Secretary. Mercantile plans to be at the forefront of this rowing discipline.
NSW Championships
Published 23rd January 2021
Normally the NSW Championships would be a major selection event for Australian team selection. However several States have been unable to attend due to border closures.
The event will proceed on the weekend of 5-7th February but without all crews. Mercantile will be represented by only a few crews. Details will follow shortly.
Vale Reg McKay
Updated 26th January 2021
It is with great sadness that we report of the passing of Reg McKay today. Reg was a superb umpire and significant administrator of the sport.
The McKay family welcomes friends to the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the life of Reg at St Augustine's Church, 71 Somerville Road Yarraville on Friday 29th January at 11.30am with refreshments afterwards at Footscray City Rowing Club at 1pm.
Reg umpiring at the Australian Championships in 1989
Reg umpiring at 1989 World Championships
Reg made an enormous contribution to the sport at all levels, from club to the national level. He umpired and administered the sport at the highest levels being a long standing international umpire and also President of Rowing Australia. He has been Chairman of the Rowing Victoria Committee and also President of his club, Footscray City. He continued to actively row to almost the very end.
Further details of his contribution can be found at: https://rowinghistory-aus.info/rower- profiles/mckay-reginald.
He was an administrator who always sought to provide a sporting environment on which the talented could achieve their best. In 1990 as President of Rowing Australia, he arranged for Prof Theo Koerner to be guest coach of the Australian team. Theo did great work for the sport in the brief time he spent with us, particularly on training methods. Your correspondent was team manager at the time and witnessed first hand this great work. Recognition of Reg's achievements was made in 2011 when he was awarded the Julius Patching award by the Victorian Olympic Council.
In his humble way, he noted that: I have enjoyed my journey with our great sport, many very exciting moments and also memorable ones, however I don’t believe the need for any further elaboration is required. Memories are best kept for "elaboration" over a beer.
Reg is also the father of Michael McKay, one of Australia’s finest oarsmen and the Club's senior high performance coach.
Reg McKay, Theo Koerner and Mike McKay in 1990
Drew Ginn speaks to Ben Ibrahim this Sunday night
Published 22nd February 2021
Want to hear from Drew, listen in 9pm Sunday night for the second part of his interview with Ben Ibrahim.
Ballarat Regatta in review
Published 22nd January 2021
In strong cross head conditions, the Ballarat Regatta was conducted last Saturday. Not all our crews competed but enough of them to be of great interest. Great work by our rowers and our coaches with soem great results, which included:
Women's Under 21 Pair
1st Olivia Sargeant, Sophie Reinehr
2nd Louisa Bongrain, Millie Whitehead
3rd Anneka Davys, Odette Lynch
Women's Open Scull
1st Emmie Frederico
2nd Ruby Gioulekis
Women's under 21 Scull
1st Jemima Dwyer
Women's Lightweight Scull
1st Demetria Kyracopoulos
Men's Under 19 Scull 1st Sam Wilson
Women's Open Double Scull
1st Olivia Evans, Demetria Kyriacopoulos
Women's Under 21 Four
1st Hannah Magasanik, Anna Morrison, Teagan Blythe, Louise Carr, Cox: Jemima Howell
Images from the day.
Jackson Morrish in the under 21 scull
Demetria Kyracopoulos in the final of the open scull
Ruby Gioulekas in her final
Aleisha Ward in her final
Emmie Frederico's first stroke of the final which she won
Anna Kirkwood keeping most of the boat in the water in the rough conditions
Phoebe Wolf on top of the conditions in her final
Sam Wilson surfing to victory in the under 19 scull
Olivia Evans, Demetria Kyriacopoulos mid way through their winning race
The under 21 four races to victory - Hannah Magasanik, Anna Morrison, Teagan Blythe, Louise Carr, Cox: Jemima Howell
Mercs boating area at Ballarat with the girls limbering up for the eights
The girls take an early lead in the wormen's open eight - Olivia Sargeant, Odette Lynch, Anna Kirkwood, Millie Whitehead, Ruby Gioulekas, Phoebe Wolf, Emmie Frederico, Sophie Reinehr, Cox: Hayley Verbunt
Our other eight of Eliza Planincic, Hannah Magasanik, Teagan Blythe, Anna Morrison, Louise Carr, Anneka Davys, Aleisha Ward, Louisa Bongrain, Cox: Eyrin McCarthy
Rutherglen Regatta
Published 21st January 2021
A good group of Mercantile members enjoyed the quintessential bush regatta, Rutherglen, in January. Some members asked why they had not known about this great regatta before? Indications are that they will be making this an annual event going forward. Great credit to all racing both days.
The Mercantile members attending included some juniors, recently retired rowers and masters. The younger rowers took the opportunity to camp whilst the masters took to more traditional accommodation. It is a great regatta which is hosted by the Murray Rowing Association. The President of that Association is none other than our own Paul Somerville. He was asisted by past Captain Bill Webster and Andrew Guerin was one of the umpires.
Good wins were recorded by our men's open eight and mixed eight with our recently retired rowers (with junior Jackson Morrish joining them in the men's open eight), Sam Wilson in the open scull and Jackson Morrish in the C single.
Images of the regatta follow:
Jemima Dwyer in the open single year on Saturday
Annika Spiers in the heat of the open single on Saturday
Eliza Planincic, Claudia Clements in the heat of of the open pair
Sam Wilson and Jackson Morrish in the heat of the open pair
Jackson Morrish in the heat of the Men's C single
Greg Hansen in the bow of a men's masters quad
Hugh Serjeant bow and William Stark two in the masters quad scull
River red gums provide a typical regatta photo of Wilson and Morrish
Another typical regatta scene with our men's four leading their race
The men's open eight creating plenty of back splash in their win
Our mixed open eight on their way to a win
Even whilst injured and unable to row, our Captain Meg managed to cox many crews
Ray Dawson in the three seat looking for the finish line in the masters eight
Paul Somerville shows he can still do it well
Ian Jickell, Bill Webster and Paul McGann enjoy the regatta
Mixed eight on their way to a win
Mixed eight delighting in their win
Men's Open Eight power to victory
Men's Open Eight play to the camera
Australian Championships Update
Published 21st January 2021
The following statement has been issued by Rowing Australia.
Last year, Rowing Australia (RA) committed to confirming the status of the 2021 Aon Australian Rowing Championships (ARC) by no later than 18 January 2021.
Given recent developments with COVID-19 in Australia and the evolving situation with interstate travel restrictions, the Board of RA has deferred the announcement on this decision by two weeks, to Monday 1 February 2021.
RA CEO, Ian Robson explained, “This was not a decision we took lightly, as we know our community is desperate to put their plans in place for the event that is due to be held from 22 to 28 March 2021 at Lake Barrington, Tasmania.
“However, the Board of Rowing Australia, in consultation with our Member Associations and Councillors, requested we postpone the decision for additional fortnight in order to rigorously explore all the options available to us to host a National Championships this year. “We are committed to staging the Australian Rowing Championships, in Tasmania, given the importance of this event to the broader rowing community. However, should the situation surrounding public health and border restrictions make it impossible for us to host the event at Lake Barrington, we will explore the option of relocating the event, subject to border restrictions and public health advice allowing us to do so.
“With the ever-changing landscape we find ourselves in, we owe it to you, our community, to explore every option, including proceeding with the event as planned or alternatively relocating the event. This additional two weeks will provide us with the opportunity to explore all avenues, in full, before we make a final decision.
“As always, we are focused on safety and will be guided by public health advice. On behalf of the organisation, I apologise for this delay, but believe it is in the best interests of the sport and the event as a whole.”
Club rowing takes off
Published 20th December 2020
Meghan Hester and her team are doing a great job getting club rowing working well.
Rob Manning is coaching an exceptional women's club crew stroked by Olympian Jen Cleary and Anthony Bergelin is coaching a large squad of recently retired male high performance athletes.
The masters are regularly getting out in three eights and occasionally also going coastal.
Thursday nights have a great feel to them as these groups enjoy sausages washed down with beer and wine. Thursday nights are back. Please email the Captain if you want to be involved.
Carey legends Chris Drummond and Andrew Rees enjoy a well earned beer after their row on Thursday
Mercantile goes coastal
Republished 20th January 2021
So what is coastal rowing?
Coastal Rowing is the extreme version of rowing, and involves rowing on large lakes and the sea. It is one of the fastest growing communities of rowers with excellent opportunities given that flat water is not required.
Coastal rowing in Europe
The standard boats are singles (solo), doubles and coxed quadruple sculls. Coastal Rowing is comprised of two event formats, one is the endurance event which ranges between 4 –6km around a buoyed course, and the other is the sprint event known as “Beach Sprints”. As the name suggests, the race begins on the beach with a rower running out to the boat to its’ waiting crew and racing a distance of 500m, which can involve a buoyed slalom course, before returning to the beach and running to the finish line.
The pinnacle events on the international Coastal Rowing racing calendar are the club-based endurance style World Rowing Coastal Championships and the nation-based sprint style World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals. Coastal Touring is the recreational or social aspect of the discipline.
The IOC and World Rowing are promoting Coastal Rowing as a future Olympic discipline and exploring its’ potential following its inclusion in the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, and recently held Europe’s first Coastal Rowing regatta; the European Coastal Rowing Challenge in Livorno, Italy. There is still consideration around whether a potential Olympic discipline will be the Beach (sprint) or Coastal (endurance) format. At the recent FISA Extraordinary Congress the Member Federations supported the proposal put forward by World Rowing to include Coastal Rowing in 2024 Olympic Games.
Mercs goes coastal
Mercantile has acquired a couple of coastal quad sculls and a double scull to encourage the sport. The inaugural row took place on Thursday 19 November with a masters crew.
Mercs enters the water at Port Melbourne
Mercs flying into shore with the wind behind them Bow: Andrew Guerin, 2: Hamish Fitzsimmons, 3: Alex Kinsella, Str: Will Legge, Cox: Bill Webster
A group of masters took to the water during storm conditions to test out their skills. The row was short but exciting - crashing through and over waves. The conclusion was that perhaps a higher level of skill would be required for those conditions.
Anyone who wishes to take up the coastal rowing sport should contact the Secretary. We would like to see Mercs represented at the National Championships in August 2021 and perhaps at the Worlds in Portugal in October 2021.
Changing room lockers are now available for rental
Republished 20th January 2021
Changing room lockers are available for rent for the balance of the season given that things are reopening.
• Large lockers are now $60/a (were $120) • Medium lockers are now $45/a (were $60) • Small remain $30/a Go to the shop page on this website and rent your locker.
Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea
Republished 20th January 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.
2020-21 Dates Republished 21st January 2021
Your Committee is an optimistic mob and have laid down some social function dates for members, even during a 'state of emergency'. Please keep the dates free.
• 19 February - Henley Eve Cocktail Party at the Boathouse. • 20 February - Henley on Yarra • 27-28 February - Victorian Championships • 13 March - Scotch Mercantile Regatta • 22-28 March - National Championships • 25 April - ANZAC Day Service and Luncheon • May/June - fundraiser for amy overseas competitors • 28-31 July - Olympic finals - Brunch at the Boathouse
IOC keeps lightweights and postpones coastals until 2028
Republished 21st January 2021
The IOC has given a lifeline to lightweight rowing by not accepting the demise of lightweight rowing after Tokyo. Lightweight will stay until 2024, at least. The IOC has also decided to reduce the number of rowers permitted at the Games regardless of this decision.
The FISA proposal was to include the discipline of coastal rowing in place of lightweight at 2024 to show that the sport is evolving and that photo and television friendly elements of rowing be shown.
This is in many ways a superb result. Ligtweights are such an important and competitive part of our sport and coastal rowing probably needs another four years to fully develop. Either way, Mercantile is well placed in both lightweight and coastal rowing. We look forward to competing in both disciplines.
Vale Simon Rees
Published 21st January 2021
It is always very sad when a person dies, but it is doubly so when it is a shock, leaves a young wife and family and is far too early. We extend our sincere condolences to Club member Andrew Rees who brother Simon died this week from a suspected heart attack aged only 43 years. Simon rowed with the Club briefly after he left school. Our thoughts are with you. Both brothers were part of the 1995 and 1996 back to back Carey winning HOR crews.
New member profiles
Published 21st January 2021
We regularly add new member profiles. This month we have added Harold Brasch, M C Brown, Jean Bradshaw and Carl Burmeister. We would welcome contributions on any current or past members. There are now over 200 profiles of past and present members.