Lake Macquarie derby, manning river, newcastle grammar & newcastle university regattas

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Lake Macquarie Derby - 13 October 2019

Last season, this event was for mixed squads of eight rowers competing in doubles and quads. This year’s event was limited to mixed teams of four rowers competing in quads only, each crew having four starts against varying opponents in three boat races. None of the Endeavour crews managed to record a win but they had a lot of fun. The smorgasbord put on for lunch after the completion of racing was luxurious. 


Manning River Regatta - 19 October 2019

The Manning River club decided to hold this regatta after the association regatta program had been agreed to at the CDRA annual general meeting. Consequently, several clubs and schools had decided on their program of regattas to attend before the Manning date was known. As a result, the entries for this regatta were minimal with only 22 races conducted. Although this was just one third the size of a normal CDRA regatta program, Manning were keen to proceed in order to test their ability to conduct a regatta under the limitations of their storm damaged club house.

​After the cyclonic conditions at the last Manning River regatta that took the roof off their boatshed, the weather gods tried to balance the books by providing perfect conditions. The Endeavour crews enjoyed their races although no wins were recorded. From 8 starts, our seven competitors recorded 4 seconds and 3 thirds. 

After a leisurely 9am start, it was all over by 1 o’clock and we had a relaxed drive home in time for afternoon tea and a snooze before dinner.


​Newcastle Grammar School and Newcastle University Regattas - 26 & 27 October 2019

The weather forecast for Saturday’s regatta was ominous with high temperatures and gale force winds predicted – and that is what we got! The first two races were rowed on a mill pond and then the weather kicked in. Within 20 minutes white caps were rolling down the river and the regatta had to be cancelled after only 8 of the 62 races had been conducted. Sunday’s conditions were more benign with pleasant temperature and a mild breeze that made for enjoyable racing.

The Endeavour entries were fewer that normal with many regular contestants either away or injured. 13 rowers contested 14 starts for 2 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds with 12 Endeavour crews being deprived of races due to Saturday’s cancellation.

​Our men’s masters crew of Peter, Ged, Sean and Matt had one win on Sunday but could well have had two for the weekend but for Saturday’s cancellation. Their event was the next to be conducted when racing was stopped. Rowing back from the start, the Endeavour crew handled the rough water better than the other crews and looked as if they could have won under race conditions. The second win went to Prentice racing with the Newcastle University rowers he had competed with at the University Games in September.


Winning crews:
Mens Seeded 1000m Quad Sculls: Peter Bowman, Ged Coren, Sean Donza, Matt Patton.
Mens Open Quad Sculls: Prentice Bond (composite with NUBC).

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