HEAD OF THE YARRA

1.0 SUMMARY DETAILS FOR 2026

• The 65th Head of the Yarra is an 8 km time-trial from the Melbourne CBD to Hawthorn

• Race Entry for all crews will open Tuesday March 10th at 9.00am. See Conditions of race entry

• Race start is 8.00 am, Saturday, 28th November 2026.

• Australian entries are with ROWING MANAGER and International entries via Google Form for International entries

• When the race entry cap (of 320 crews) is reached, we will accept entries onto a waiting list.

• The entire 2026 Head of the Yarra event will be broadcast live via HOTYTV enabling all clubs to set up remote live sites at their own clubhouses for social engagement activities and to cheer on their representative crews on race day.

1.1 RACE ORDER 2026

Racing will be conducted over 4 brackets starting at 8.00 am.

The Youth crews & eldest masters have been allocated the first bracket to facilitate early departure after completing their racing and to reduce heat risk.

The older masters are in the second bracket, again to reduce heat risk. 

The younger masters and the club/open categories will be conducted in the third and fourth brackets.  Additional information on Race Categories is available <HERE>.

1.2 PARA-ROWING

This year’s event will again include a Para Eight event. Athletes wishing to compete in this year’s Para Eight event must hold a Rowing Australia Provisional or National Class-action classification.

If you are unsure of your classification status or require classification, please email Chad King: cking@rowingaustralia.com.au at Rowing Australia.

1.3 TRAILER PARKING

Competitors are encouraged to park their boat trailers in the City at Boathouse Drive.

Creswick Street Hawthorn trailer parking needs to be pre-booked and if you need access to Creswick St additionally for boat drop off / pickup please pre-book <Here>.

Options and rules for parking are covered <HERE>.

1.4 RACE BROADCAST

In 2026 the full day’s racing will be broadcast live and free on this website via HOTY TV. Competitors can watch the race on their devices.

Additionally, all competing clubs are invited to host remote club social activities in their boathouses utilising the race stream as the backdrop to cheer on their representative crews.

1.5 PARTNERS & SPONSORS

If you would like to partner with us on running the 2026 event please contact Simon Watts on 0418 791 679 sponsorship@hawthornrowingclub.com.

1.6 GENERAL ENQUIRIES

For all enquiries contact the regatta team by email at hoy-enq@hawthornrowingclub.com.

You can also follow us on TWITTER , FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

1.7 VOLUNTEERS

Running Australia's biggest single rowing event requires a large team of volunteers.  Here are details on how to VOLUNTEER.