Gippsland Grammar has made rowing history by hosting its first-ever regatta – the Sale Small Boats Head – bringing more than 120 rowers and 200 spectators to the banks of the Sale Canal for a day of competition, community and camaraderie.
The single-day event in October drew competitors from across Victoria, with crews from Melbourne schools including Carey Baptist Grammar, St Kevin’s College and Strathcona Girls Grammar joining Gippsland Grammar’s own rowers for a series of time-trial races in single sculls through to coxed fours.
Director of rowing Nick Bartlett said the inaugural event was an overwhelming success, with “every single facet of the day exceeding expectations”.
“The greatest source of pride for me on the day was how excited our students were to host rowers from other schools and to show off our river with pride,” Bartlett said.
The event meant a lot to local competitors, that people travelled to Sale to race on the waterway they know so well.
Gippsland Grammar fielded 60 competitors from years eight through to 12, with the home crews performing strongly across all categories.
Carey Baptist Grammar and St Kevin’s College also secured several event wins, highlighting the quality of competition on the day.
Spectator numbers rivalled a local Sunday market, with more than 200 people lining the Sale Canal to cheer on the crews — many of them new to the sport of rowing.
The event also attracted significant parent and community involvement, with more than 50 parent volunteers helping to run the day, catering for visitors and supporting the school’s rowing team.
The regatta was one of the first official events for the new principal Dr Paul Walton who said it was “an absolute privilege to attend such a wonderful day”.
“For an inaugural event, it provided a perfect opportunity for students, families and members of the community to come together, support all competitors and celebrate a fantastic day of rowing,” Dr Walton said.
Dr Walton thankful of the efforts organisers, those that had roles during the day and all volunteers.
Year 11 student Sorrel Fraser said the camaraderie and atmosphere between schools and clubs was fantastic.
“It was a great feeling being able to host a regatta on our home course and show Melbourne schools what Gippsland is like,” Sorrel said.
Rowing Victoria, president of the jury Tony Lawless praised the event’s organisation and spirit.
“The support from parents and staff should be commended, and the students deserve recognition for their sportsmanship and support of visiting crews. It was a great day that will hopefully be repeated for years to come,” Lawless said.
Bartlett said the success of the inaugural Sale Small Boats Head confirmed Gippsland Grammar’s intention to establish the event as a permanent fixture on the Victorian rowing calendar.
“This first event proved that Melbourne schools will travel to Gippsland to race. We’re already planning for next year’s regatta to be even bigger and better,” Bartlett said.
Gippsland Grammar’s Rowing program continues to go from strength to strength, with more than 100 students competing annually in regattas across Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
The school, which was the first school east of Melbourne to launch a Rowing program in the 1960s, remains a dominant presence in national and international competitions.
Earlier this year current students April Harrison, Scarlett Tavasci and Lily Canfield joined forces with Old Scholar Ella Gerrand (Class of 2024) to compete in both the Henley Women’s Regatta and the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK.
The girls raced exceptionally well to make it to the last eight and the quarter finals in both regattas.
