WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

Last Saturday we saw the return of the Carrum Regatta, with over 450 athletes enjoying the sunshine at the NWSC! Similarly on Sunday, Port Melbourne was full of action, with a great turnout out to our first Coastal Come & Try.

As we close 2022, out attention turns to the annual pilgrimage to the Rutherglen regatta. At the present time, the levels of the lake are suitable and safe for competition. Parks Victoria are working with the MRA in regard to the boat park and access roads as these have been significantly affected by the recent flooding. All indications are that the regatta will proceed as scheduled, however, as we’ve experienced and despite best endeavours, things change. Rowing Victoria will continue to update the community re this regatta.
 
As we are still in a recovery period following two years of significant disruptions/cancellations and as we’re now being impacted by flooding, it’s important to reiterate that the sole/main source of significant income for our regatta hosts and clubs is from seat fees. If clubs/schools scratch at the 11th hour and/or dispute fees (often due to reasons out of the host’s control), revenue is forgone vs forecast whilst associated costs often cannot be decreased/removed. This places significant stress on the financial viability of events and in turn clubs especially as events over the past few years have been held for lower numbers, therefore with reduced revenue due to restrictions. Where possible, please support our regatta hosts as we all recover.    

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

        UPCOMING REGATTAS

COASTAL ROWING COME & TRY

Thank you to all who attended our first Coastal Rowing Come & Try in Port Melbourne last Sunday!

The day was full of excitement and laughter, with the sun shining and the wind causing issues for some crews...

A massive thank you to our sponsor Perfect Balance Rowing for providing their boats and equipment, and all of our umpires/volunteers for their assistance!

We look forward to providing further Coastal Rowing opportunities in 2023 and beyond!

VICTORIAN PATHWAY 8+ NOMINATIONS OPEN

Rowing Victoria are now seeking nominations for selection in the 2023 Victorian Pathway Eight. 

Athletes are eligible to compete in the Victorian Pathway 8+ program if they are 17 or younger as of December 31st, 2023. 

The Pathway Eight competition is an Interstate schoolboy/schoolgirl regatta held annually at Australian underage selection trials. In 2023 this event is scheduled to be held at Sydney International Regatta Centre from 26th – 28th April. This offers current school registered athletes the opportunity to be selected in an Under 18 Victorian State Team and gives young rowers the experience of what the future opportunities in rowing are with Club, State and Australian representation.

EOI FOR RV COMPETITION COMMISSION

Rowing Victoria is seeking Expressions of Interest for the 2023+ Competition Commission, to advise the CEO and Board on the RV competition program with the intent of maximizing participation in a safe and inviting environment. The roles and responsibilities include:

• Development of guidelines for the efficient and effective management of all rowing regattas.
• To review opportunities at all regattas for the community to compete, achieve and enjoy fun, fitness and social interaction regardless of age, gender and skill in line with overall competition and regatta strategy.
• To communicate all relevant information to support athletes, and provide a forum to address concerns, and to share and consider new ideas.

Further detail is available via this link or by contacting CEO Ian Jickell.

If you are interested in being a member of the Commission, please register your interest via the link below.

MISSING ITEM

COXORB If anybody has happened to locate this CoxOrb (right) following the Melbourne Head Regatta, please contact Glenn Fischmann at glenn.fischmann@mgc.vic.edu.au.

SRV SPORTING CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for grassroots sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Access to this funding helps clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices, and build social and active local communities.

This program assists organisations to purchase sports uniforms and participation equipment, increase the skills of coaches, officials, volunteers and management committees, and supports improvements to club capacity and accessibility.

It is fantastic to see that 11 of our clubs have been successful in receiving this funding across the last 2 years.

Round 2 applications open in February 2023, however we encourage clubs to consider and prepare an application in advance. For those who are unsure where to begin, Club Builder offer services to assist in preparing an application. You can contact them or read more about the grant requirements via the links below.

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS

ARE YOU:

1. Aged between 12-18 or 12-24 (Para)?

2. Coaching, officiating, or competing at the State Championships or ARC this season?

If the answer is YES, then you may be eligible for a grant from $500-$1,000 towards the cost of attending!

RIVER SAFETY - BOW & 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).

SAFETY REMINDER

Rowing Victoria would like to remind all members the importance of using our equipment safely and appropriately.

The police have been made aware of a number of incidents where rowing coaches have been sighted either riding without helmets, using megaphones at incorrect hours, or using mobile phones while riding (both in conversation or filming their crews).

For your own safety, to avoid fines, and to respect other members of the community, we ask that you please ensure you are not partaking in the behaviours above.

WATERWAY ACCESS & INCIDENT REPORTING

Could all waterway users please ensure they are acquainted with their local waterway rules; traffic direction, turning points, stationary obstacles etc.

So that RV, Maritime Safety Victoria and now, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority can support the community in providing safe waterways, please register all incidents via the RV Report an Incident tile on the home page of the RV website.

A consistent management of reporting will assist us in ensuring we are kept safe on the water and the chances of equipment damage is mitigated.