November was a triumphant month for the Bairnsdale Rowing Club (BRC) with stellar performances across several major regattas, proving their dedication and prowess on the water.
At the 2024 Melbourne Head Regatta, female masters rowers Jo Campbell and Belinda Pownall showcased their formidable partnership, clinching first place in the female masters double event.
Campbell also displayed her versatility by racing with her son in the parent and child double scull event, finishing in a competitive time of 15.46.69, even among former Olympic gold medallists.
The following weekend, the 2024 Head of the Yarra brought further success for BRC.
Despite a minor setback where their boat took on water, the female masters eight demonstrated the resilient spirit of the BRC, a swift fix had them back on the river, where they delivered an impressive performance.
The crew included three newcomers to the Head of the Yarra, Brigette Goodacre, Jess Clark and Theresia Allison, whose debuts only added to the team’s inspiring run. Additionally club coach Ron Alexander competed in a composite crew with Power House Rowing Club and president Tom Clark rowed in a composite crew with a mixture of Canberra clubs.
The BRC season concluded last month, taking to the water at the 2024 Radford/CGS Regatta on Lake Burley Griffin, with Campbell and Pownall continuing their outstanding form.
The duo finished second in the masters women double category but triumphed with a gold in the women’s “D” grade category, underscoring their versatile capabilities.
Beyond the competitive highlights, the BRC’s spring learn-to-row program is wrapping up, sparking excitement for the next generation of rowers.
The club looks forward to continuing this successful program with the next session planned for autumn 2025.
The Bairnsdale community can take immense pride in their rowing club’s accomplishments, as BRC athletes continue to push boundaries and set new standards, with the future looking incredibly bright for this dedicated and talented team.
