2003 Australian Rowing Championships Newsletter - Saturday 26th April 2003
 

Welcome to the Saturday newsletter. We were hoping to get the newsletter out earlier, but the racing has been of a great standard, and we could not sit down for the 30 minutes or so needed to put it together. The conditions have been excellent. Despite the concerns before hand we have flat water most of the time and during day, it has been warm

Saturday's Racing

There were 46 races on today's program, with 29 finals contested.

The most significant race was not any elite races but rather the men's under 19 double scull. The reason being was the inaugural presentation of the Tim Hawkins Memorial Trophy. Tim, an Australian Representative from Tasmania, was tragically killed in the terrorist attack in Bali in October 2002. Steve, Tim's brother who won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics presented the trophy in front of a large, emotional crowd. The winners of the race were two up and coming rowers Gareth Salkield and Kade Greenland from Queensland. The two boys were overcome by the moment. Gareth said he was unaware that their was a trophy for the event until 30 minutes before the race. He said the trophy humbled them both. Many of Tim's friends, including some of the most high profile rowed in the country were at the presentation. Steve said after "he was impressed by the standard of the race, it has been the best race of the regatta." Steve could not but help notice Kade Greenland's size. Much shorter than his opposition Tim commented that he would make a good lightweight. Both Tim and himself rowed lightweight.

The racing was good across the board today. There continues to be upsets.The men's four of Jaime Fernandez, Mike McKay, Geoff Stewart and Bo Hanson could only manage third place. After Stewart & Hanson won the pair on Friday they were hoping for the quinella. But it was not to be. The Western Australian guys won by over a length. The Victorian crew came second. Judging by the results anything could be written into it. The women's four also produced an upset. Jodi Winter & Kristina Larsen teamed with Julia Wilson Kyeema Doyle to take out the title. It was the third championship for Jodi & Kristina.

The lightweight double had our World Champions Amber Halliday and Sally Causby on the course. They started well and did just enough to win. Amber said they are now really looking towards Milan and the World Championships. Amber said: "it was a good row, solid, it is good to have that to build on for the International season now" The men's lightweight double scull saw the recently named combination for the World Championships Hamish Karrasch and Anthony Edwards racing together. Eddie said:

"It was good to have the hit out really, it is a good opportunity to spend sometime in race mode and race practice for the Worlds"

Also racing today was numerous finals of the under 17, 19 & 23. The adaptive rowers also contested two finals.

INTERSTATE RACING

Sunday will see the all-important Interstate Regatta. It is steeped in tradition. Victoria is highly fancied for the Kings Cup. If they win James Tomkins will be able to say he has won it an incredible 15 times. Amazing in any sport. We will have a full report tomorrow.

LAST DAY OF RACING

If you are at the course, as your parents always taught you make sure you thank our hosts. The Tassie people have been great. Just as good as the outstanding weather that we have had.

MERCHANDISE ON LINE

Not at the regatta it is now possible to buy 2003 Nationals merchandise on line. Check out the new RA Online Store.

MAIL TO US YOUR THOUGHTS

The Rowing Australia Regatta Commission has a survey available at the course. If you are not at the course please feel free to e-mail to us your thoughts, ideas anything you want on the Nationals. We will pass it onto the relative area.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY

It is not accurate to judge, but following recent National Championships there has been some research done regarding the contribution to the local economy. Rowing Australia President Pat McNamara estimates that the amount would be in the vicinity during the Championships $5 million.

WEBSITE HITS

In this day of the cyberspace, it is very easy to track how many visitors to our site. This morning I asked the webmaster to give me some info. He tells me there was 1.7 million hits on the site this week so far. Huge traffic.

WANT TO SEE HOW SOMEONE HAS GONE DURING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS?

It is easy. Just click on any name or from the home page, type search and click on the name. It brings up all the results for that person. You can also click on the Club and it bring up a summary for the Club.

Thanks for bearing with us. The Championships so far have been excellent and we are looking forward to the final day of racing on Sunday.

Kind regards Michael "Chook" Wilson