Rowing

Riverview Gold Cup Regatta

On Saturday 17 February, the Pymble Senior Squad raced The Riverview Gold Cup Regatta, one of the oldest rowing events in Australia.  This race is competed over 1400 metres on the Lane Cove River.

The Senior 1st Eight’s heat featured schoolgirl crews alongside under 21 and under 23 Club and University crews. Our Pymble rowers raced a competitive heat winning the ‘Silver Oars’ for the schoolgirl eight event and qualifying for a place in the final of the Women’s Open Eight race.  This team were the only schoolgirl crew to secure a place in this final.

It was an exciting final 400 metres in the Women’s Open Eight race when the Senior 1st Eight edged their bow in front of the Sydney University under 21 boat to finish fourth – wonderful to watch and what an achievement for our Pymble rowers! Congratulations to Carolina Yemma (Year 12), Holly Craig (Year 12), Erin Porter (Year 11), Megan Wood (Year 12), Scarlet Olesen (Year 10), Millie Cullinane (Year 10), Mika Naito (Year 11) and Mia Booth (Year 12).

The Senior 2nd Eight took an early lead into the race’s unique ‘dogleg’ turn with Loreto Kirribilli having the advantage on the inside. The Pymble Senior 2nd Eight had one final push to the line, and were victorious, winning the coveted ‘Silver Oars’. Congratulations to Tilly Goddard (Year 11), Annabel Shanahan (Year 11), Skye Pockley (Year 12), Isabella Stalley (Year 11), Catherine Walker (Year 12), Celeste McDermott (Year 11), Lauren Gibson (Year 11), Isabel Matosantos (Year 12), Alice Anand (Year 11) and coach, Mr Booker.

The Senior 1st and 2nd Quads raced well in the schoolgirl Quad race, encountering a fast Ascham Quad comprising their top five rowers. Our Pymble Quads secured second and third place finishes in the event and continue to build their race speed each week. We are keenly anticipating their next race at the ‘Head of the River’ on Sunday 3 March.

Roseville College Regatta

On Saturday 17 February our Intermediate, Junior and Learn to Row squads raced in the Roseville Regatta at Iron Cove.  These squads are to be commended for the extra effort of additional training around their racing.

The Junior 1st Quad won their race. Congratulations to Mie Naito (Year 9), Zara Kinniburgh (Year 9), Allegra Taubenschlag (Year 9), Harriet Murphy (Year 9) and Kelly Clifton (Year 9).

The Junior 2nd Quad unfortunately experienced equipment issues preventing them from crossing the line. Our Pymble rowers were not to be stopped, entering late in the Year 10 3rd Quad Division, racing 1500 metres for the first time and taking the win convincingly. Congratulations to Emily Bartrop (Year 9), Annie Pennington (Year 9), Amber Eisenhauer (Year 9), Leander McLaughlin (Year 9) and Ellie Pointon (Year 9) for handling adversity, showing true Pymble grit, drive and spirit.

The Year 9 3rd Quad also secured a win by leveraging their strong mid-race rhythm. Congratulations to Angelina Attinger (Year 9), Mia Sherry (Year 9), Lucy Simpson (Year 9), Georgina Curtis (Year 9) and Genevieve Bazina (Year 9).

The Junior 4th and 5th Quads secured podium finishes, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively. The newly formed Junior double of Isla Campbell (Year 9) and Ainhoa Culazzo (Year 9) finished 2nd in their first ever race as a double – a fantastic achievement!

The Learn-to-Row squad placed 3rd, 2nd, 4th and 3rd respectively, in their Quads. The Intermediate Four and Quad finished 5th and 4th, learning much from the weekend to build momentum for the lead into Head of the River on Sunday 3 March.

Karl Schmidt

Head of Coaching and Performance (Kindergarten to Year 12)