SYDNEY TAKES OWNERSHIP OF THE YARRA RIVER
2023 Head of the Yarra fastest crew. Sydney Rowing Club’s Men’s Open Eight in a time of (26:32:11 min)
The Yarra River was a spectacle with the return of the Annual Head of The Yarra, first run in 1957. The race had not run since 2019 due to Covid and the floods of 2022.
Two and a half thousand rowers from all over Australia and New Zealand raced in rowing eights over the 8km course from the City to Hawthorn. The Yarra became the focal point for Melbourne with thousands of spectators lining its banks and joining in the finish carnival celebrations in the parklands of the Hawthorn Rowing Club.
Club crews representing every state, and New Zealand made the pilgrimage to Melbourne. The annual classic saw crews of all ability test their skill against the country’s best for fastest time over the gruelling 8km Yarra course.
It was the Sydney Rowing Club’s Men’s Eight stroked by Alex Nichol who took ownership of the Yarra rowing the course in a time of 26:32.11 min, 20 seconds ahead of locals, Melbourne University stroked by Nick Smith (26:52.51) and Mercantile stroked by Oliver Scazlzo (27.19.56) in third place after 8.0 km of very close racing.
In the elite Women’s Eights, the Melbourne University Boat Club crew stroked by Zara Lavery took line honors in a time of (29:49.01) ahead of the Sydney Crew stroked by Katharine Mason (30:40.96) with the Mercantile crew stroked by Sophie Reinehr (31:37.62) in third place.
In the schoolboys first Eights section, Xavier College (28:16:46) stroked by Harry Glass ahead of Gregory Terrace (28.32.43). In the Schoolgirl first eight it was the University of Queensland’s schoolgirls crew stroked by Ava Mulholland that won the day in a quick time of (33:24:69)
Two K class Masters crews (Aged 83 yrs ) plus proved longevity comes from lifelong commitment to the sport. The Sydney based North Shore crew stroked by John James rowed the course in a masters adjusted time of 33.18.60 , 51 seconds ahead of their Melbourne rivals the crew stroked by 84-year-old Ray Denis with the oldest competitor 95-year-old Don Christie on board. Don rowed in his first Head of the Yarr way back in 1957.
The ANU Para 8 a mixed adaptive 8’s format for those with disability. Stroked by Rebecca Jones and rowing the course in time of (38:18) 10 seconds ahead of the Community/Shell Harbour crew stroked by Fiona Jackson.
The race attracted thousands of spectators along the full length of the Yarra course. A large crowd congregated amongst the crews and boats for the trophy presentations and the post-race carnival at the finish in the Yarra Bank Reserve in Hawthorn.
Relive the Action:
Hawthorn Rowing Club
2a Burwood Rd
Hawthorn 3122