It’s a long way from the Clarence River in Grafton to the Thames in London, but stroke by stroke, a dedicated young crew of talented rowers from Brisbane Boys College (BBC), are continuing to make waves as they determinedly pursue their dreams of representing Australia on the international stage by competing in the prestigious 2023 Henley Royal Regatta.

Under the watchful eye of coach John Pettigrew, and BBC Director of Rowing Zoltan Shepherd, Xavier Rubens, Dave Granzin, Liam Crook, Joe Thynne, Mitch Owen, Dan Cashman, Matt Cashman, Tom Stevens, Beau Palmer, and reserve Conrad Scott, have spent the past several days training locally along a 2000m course in preparation for the upcoming event.

Aged 17 and upwards, the students form a dynamic team, and encompass a diverse range of strength and skills which enable them to power across the water with speed, agility, and pinpoint accuracy.

Describing the Clarence River as the perfect location with ideal conditions for rowing, especially compared to the busier sections of the Brisbane River where the eights usually train, Mr Shepherd told the Clarence Valley Independent, staff and students have been made to feel welcome by everyone in Grafton, and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to train locally.

“It’s lovely water,” he said with a nod towards the Clarence River. “The other big reason behind picking Grafton is we have a light current here in the river which is similar to Henley.

“The conditions are just perfect. “In 1993, a BBC crew travelled to Henley for the regatta and won the Princess Elizabeth Cup, and we would love to go back and try to win it again.”

As he guided the eights through an afternoon training session on April 30, overlooking their progress from his trusty tinnie, Mr Pettigrew said the Clarence River is one of the best locations to row in the country.

“It’s just beautiful,” he said.

“We feel really fortunate to be able to come here and utilise this open water.”

Staff and students from BBC also gratefully acknowledged their hosts, the Grafton Rowing Club, for their tremendous support during their time in the Clarence Valley and said they will definitely return to train and compete in upcoming regattas on the Clarence River.

The 2023 Henley Royal Regatta will be held between June 27 and July 2. 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 3 May 2023.