The Nell Slatter Trophy

History of the Trophy

Dating back to 1901 at the great Federation Regatta staged on Albert Park Lake, Cassie Wooly McRitchie representing Victoria and using a skiff loaned to her by the then Governor of Victoria, Lord Brassey, defeated her challenger from Sydney, Elizabeth Messenger, and was presented with magnificent pearl and ruby bracelet by the Duke of Gloucester. So great was the public interest in the female scullers that police were required to keep the inquisitive spectators at bay. At the great age of 96 she passed away in 1973 and will for all time be remembered as the founder of the first all women’s rowing club at Albert Park in 1907. Classie McRitchies justifiably know as the "mother" of Victorian women’s rowing.

First introduced in 1963 at Brisbane, the Women’s Interstate Single Sculling Championship has continued as an annual event for which the Nell Slatter Trophy, presented by the Women’s Rowing Association as a tribute to then the President, is the perpetual trophy.

Races were held over 1000 meters the then International distance for women. In 1985 the FISA adopted a standard distance of 2000 meters for both men and women and Australia followed. The event was not held in 1989, as were all other Interstate events that year as severe weather forced the cancellation of the National Championships during the regatta.

Previous Results: 2001 (Brisbane); 2000 (Sydney); 1999 (Adelaide); 1998 (Nagambie)

Copyright Information

The above precis was prepared by Michael Wilson (2001)

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