2011 Regatta Results
Regatta Report
Despite forecasts of severe rain during the course of the day, the 97th running of the Australian Henley Regatta was held on a rain free day with temperature a pleasant 22/25 degrees. Crews raced into a slight head wind for most of the day, which made conditions interesting and resulted in some great racing.
In all, the Yarra River again proved an ideal setting for the rowing events.
The Regatta was once again a success for the MARA Committee, which continues to emphasize the tradition of Australian Henley on the Yarra River within the Victorian Rowing Community.
Our major sponsors, City of Melbourne, Rowbust Australia, Williams Batters Real Estate, Mrs Betty Harding, Sykes Racing and Swift Racing again provided invaluable support for the successful running of the Regatta.
The importance of running the Regatta on the Yarra River to promote the sport of rowing within the City of Melbourne remains paramount.
The Melbourne Amateur Regatta Association Inc. was established to conduct the first Australian Henley Regatta on the Yarra River in 1904. The history of Australian Henley can be traced back to the first Melbourne Amateur Regatta held on the Yarra River in 1860. It is the Committee's aim to ensure that the historical connections with the establishment of rowing in Victoria are not lost.
Match racing events were held over 1600 metres, the Henley mile course. Events were categorised to conform with Rowing Victoria grading of races. Schools could apply to compete in any category of event and were guaranteed a second race upon entry.
Racing was conducted at 2 minute intervals over the program, which was well received by both competitors and spectators. Competition covered A,B,C, U21, U17 and Masters events. The 2011 Regatta was well supported and racing was keenly contested by both Clubs and Schools.
This year saw some very close racing with winning margins as low as O.3 of a second. The Regatta was well run and on time thanks to the efforts of the BRO's attending the Regatta.
The Committee was delighted with the number of spectators and we hope to build on that progress for the 2012 Regatta.
Lastly but not least, it is appropriate to acknowledge the presence of Councillor Kenneth Ong from City of Melbourne who presented the Grand Challenge Cup trophy.
Race Results
| Trophy | Boat Class | Distance | Winner | Second | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Challenge Cup | Male A8+ | 1600 metres | MUBC A | MUBC B | 7.8s |
| Ladies Challenge Cup | Female A8+ | No Race | |||
| Silver Sculls Jim Howden Memorial | Male A1x | 1600 metres | Powerhouse (S.O'Connor-Smith) | MUBC (Mitchell) | 6.5s |
| Yarra Challenge Cup | Female A1x | No Race | |||
| Founders Challenge Cup | Male B8+ | 1600 metres | Scotch | Banks | 0.3s |
| Elswick Challenge Cup | Female B8+ | 1600 metres | Geelong Grammar | Melbourne | 3.0s |
| Brian Doyle Challenge Cup | Male U21 8+ | 1600 metres | Banks RC | Scotch College | 11.0s |
| Lord Mayor's Challenge Cup | Female U21 8+ | 1600 metres | Banks RC | MUBC | 1.0s |
| International Challange Cup | Male Masters 8+ | 800 metres | YYRC | Banks RC | 2.6s |
| Executive Challenge Cup | Female Masters 8+ | 800 metres | Melbourne RC (D) | Melbourne RC (E) | 8.9s |
| Old Oarsman's Challenge Cup | Male Masters 4+ | 800 metres | MUBC (G) | YYRC | 20.5s |
| Non Challenge | Male C8+ | 800 metres | Melbourne RC | Richmond | 4.0s |
| Non Challenge | Female C8+ | 800 metres | Melbourne RC | Carey | 6.0s |
| Non Challenge | Male U17 8+ | 1600 metres | Scotch College | Xavier | 13.2s |
| Non Challenge | Female U21 4x+ | 1600 metres | Ruyton | Strathcona (1) | 20.0 |
| Non Challenge | Female School Yr 10 4x+ | 800 metres | Firbank | Firbank | 13.8s |
The continued support of both Rowing Clubs and Rowing Schools contributed greatly to the success of the Regatta and the Committee is confident that we can continue to build the competition and popularity of this longstanding event in the Rowing calendar.
It is appropriate to record the Committee's heartfelt thanks for the continued support provided by our small coterie of sponsors who contributed so much to the successful running of the event. We also acknowledge the support and assistance received from Rowing Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Surf Life Saving Association.
—William Webster. Race Director