Busy month for Nagambie rowers

THE Euroa Gazette caught up with Dave Andrews of the Nagambie Rowing Club, who got in touch to let us know that three schools had held their annual rowing camp on Lake Nagambie. "Damascus College Ballarat, Geelong Grammar, and Carey Baptist College all held intensive training sessions over several days," Mr Andrews said. "Some 120 odd year 10 students, coaches and supervisors took part. "Then Nagambie Rowing Club hosted the February 18–19 Nagambie Regatta on Lake Nagambie. "Many club members and volunteers supported this local regatta which showed their enthusiasm in getting back on the lake after the floods last year. "This active regatta set the scene for other regattas to come on the lake over March as well." Mr Andrews spoke about some of the challenges faced for those participating. "Weather conditions for the Victorian National Rowing Championships were tough, testing both rowers and boats," he said. "A nasty crosswind ensured only the game and hardy ended up at the pointy end at the finish line. "Once inside the land spit of the eight–laned rowing course, at the 1250 metre mark, things settled a bit, but Victoria's top rowers still had to work hard for it. "Surprisingly only one boat succumb to the conditions and the lifesavers earned their keep, rescuing the boat and crew. "1320 individual athletes competed in over 130 events to make for a hectic and exciting few days of competition. "All classes of boats were represented, including single scull, pairs/doubles, fours/quad sculls and eights." Coming up is the March 18 Scotch Mercantile Regatta for Junior Boys State Championships on Lake Nagambie. This will be followed by the APS Heads of the River on Saturday. Members of the Nagambie Rowing Club will also be taking part in the Footscray/Essendon saltwater regatta. Saturday has 800 metre races on the beautiful Maribyrnong River, alongside Flemington Race Course, finishing at Footscray Rowing Club. The second day, also on the Maribyrnong, sees a 4.5k head race, starting at the upper reaches and finishing at Essendon Rowing Club. Medal presentations and light refreshments follow each day of racing. These are very welcomed by the rowers after their exertions and the socialising tops the day off. Mr Andrews said members representing Nagambie Rowing Club at these regattas were keen and enthusiastic, and looking forward to some good competition, after a pretty intense pre–season of training.