Mark your diaries for an exciting three day event on May 31 and June 1 and 2 this year, when Grafton Rowing Club will host Rowfest, with a wooden boat day on the Saturday and the annual Two Islands Row on the Sunday.
The weekend event will actually start on Friday, May 31, with a meet’n’greet at the Crown Hotel, which will be familiar to many rowing visitors from years gone by.
Saturday, June 1, will see our wooden boat day, with :
- static displays of wooden shells from past to present – entry is by donation.
- friendly exhibition rows in wooden shells for the inaugural Clarence Classic Trophy starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday (boats provided or bring your own!) These exhibition rows will be over 500 metres, for men, women and mixed crews, and will be in 1x, 2x, 2-, 4x, 4+ and 8+. A seat fee of $10 applies to these races.
- workshops and presentations on the history, designing, building, maintaining and repairing of wooden shells, with presentations from past and present boat builders and oar makers. These workshops will start at 1:30 p.m.
- row in a replica Viking boat or try out a wooden ergometer during the afternoon.
- plenty of refreshments, food and drinks available on site.
- dinner at Vines, from 6:00 p.m., with a guest speaker, where more rowing stories will undoubtedly be shared.
We already have over twenty wooden boats for our display but invite everyone to bring their own wooden shells to add to the day – the more the merrier.
Everyone is welcome – you don’t have to own a wooden boat; or be experienced in rowing wooden boats; or ever even seen a wooden boat – this is an opportunity for young and old to experience and enjoy these beautiful craft.
Sunday will continue the rowing activities with the annual Two Islands Row around Susan and Elizabeth Islands. Row around your choice of Susan Island (10 km) or both islands (20 km), in your own person-powered craft (we have had dragon boats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, etc, and, of course, all forms of rowing boats from singles to eights) or use one of our boats – wooden boats are an option but not necessary.
You can download a flyer or contact Don Noble (email on the flyer) with your EOI or any questions.
The Two Islands Row is also a fund-raiser for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service.
The weekend promises to be a great opportunity to view and experience wooden shells, reminisce about rowing wooden boats for those who did so back in the day, or learn about and even try out these beautiful boats for those who have not had the pleasure.
We hope to see you there.
If you are interested in attending, please help us with our planning by filling in our online Expression of Interest form.
Enquiries can be made by contacting the club or by emailing graftonrowing@gmail.com or download a flyer or a poster to share with your friends or for display in your club.
