MELBOURNE AMATEUR REGATTA ASSOCATION
Australian Henley Annual Rowing Regatta
Yarra River, Melbourne
Our Sponsors
- City of Melbourne
- William Loud Australia Pty Ltd
- BDO Kendalls (NSW-Vic) Pty Ltd
- The Howden Family
- Mr. Ian Wilson
- Arthur Adams QC
- The Karegan Group
The first Melbourne Amateur Regatta was held on the Yarra River in 1860 when Professor Irving, who founded the University of Melbourne, established the first sweep-oared regatta for amateur rowers.
The Melbourne Amateur Regatta continued for some 40 years and in 1903 The Melbourne Amateur Regatta Association was formally established to conduct the running of the Australian Henley Regatta. We have, therefore, a long and proud history in Rowing in Australia.
The first Henley Rowing regatta was held on the Yarra River in 1904. The annual event has been conducted continuously since that date save for a period during the two world wars and the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 when racing was suspended.
A series of Challenge Cups were established for the various events with magnificent Silver trophies, all of which are still competed for today.
Australian Henley has been an important event in the Australian Rowing Calendar. In its unique position as a pre-eminent rowing regatta, it has attracted many entries over the years from Interstate and Overseas as well as being strongly supported by local rowing clubs and schools.
Our aim is to once again seek both International and Interstate representation which will further strengthen the standing of the Australian Henley Regatta.
The Yarra River course has seen several changes since the first race, which were the result of changes to the River direction and various bridge works but predominately the existing course has been raced on for over 100 years.
Australian Henley Regatta is raced over a distance of 2000 metres in line with International rowing standards in a strictly match race format.
The Regatta has retained its Amateur status. The successful participants receiving the prized "Henley Pot".
We continue to seek support for MARA and the Australian Henley regatta and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the possibility of Major Sponsorship of the Regatta. Major sponsor involvement would include naming rights, signage and advertising, presentation of trophy, Sponsor's name included on website and be available for a 3 year period.
Should you have an interest in becoming a major sponsor please contact:
John Jenkinson, Sponsorship Co-ordinator on
(03) 9755 5449 or Mob. 0404 011 743, or
Tim Frederico, Regatta Secretary on
(03) 9531 2516, email timfreddy@hotmail.com
In addition to sponsorship, other opportunities exist to support MARA in the presentation of the Australian Henley.
MARA seeks support by way of donations being made through the Australian Sports Foundation or by inviting individuals/businesses to subscribe directly to MARA to support the Regatta. Such enquiries should be directed to either:
Neil Hewitt, Treasurer, on
(03) 5984 1531 or Mob. 0411 127 246, or
Peter McKeon, Honorary Secretary, on
(03) 9415 7442.
Patron: David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria
President: Sir Roderick Carnegie, AC
Chairman: Arthur Adams, QC
Managed by the Melbourne Amateur Regatta Association Inc.
Proudly supported by Rowing Victoria