Alan Haynes

Footscray City Rowing Club (VIC)

(1958–2026)

Alan Haynes was a larger than life character and known to most within the sport. His big personality and genuine pleasure in being involved with the sport, always made him a pleasure to meet. He had a big heart, and always displayed his deep love of the sport and those in it.

Alan arrived at Footscray in 1980 and had some good seasons racing for his club in the mid 1980s. His successful run of seven pair races in 1984 showed his ability. He moved onto being the mainstay of the development and management of the club for some 30 years and coached many a rower. Alan said to anyone interested in joining his club: “Learn to row, enjoy it. If you want to race, we’ll get you there.” He was also very handy fixing equipment and maintaining the club’s fleet.

He served as Captain from 1988-92 and again in 2012, and then President from 1996 to 2007. He was honoured with life membership in 1999.

Alan Haynes in stroke and Tony Lawless in 1980s

It was clear that Maribyrnong River was in his blood. Essendon Rowing Club noted on his passing as follows.

Alan was a respected member of the rowing community and held social membership with ERC from 2014 to 2017. During his association with the Club, he was a valued supporter, introducing Swift rowing boats to ERC through his work as a sales representative and generously assisting with the transport of club boats. He towed the boat trailer to both Tasmania and assisted with towing to Perth for the Australian Masters Rowing Championships [in 2026], helping ensure our crews and equipment arrived safely for competition.

The sport is poorer for his passing.

Alan on the left in 2018 cooking up a storm in the Footscray tent at Lake Barrington after driving the trailer to the regatta

Andrew Guerin
July 2026

Sources:

Footscray City Rowing Club website for images
Essendon Rowing Club message to members 14th July 2026
Environment Victoria news - https://environmentvictoria.org.au/action-story/alan-haynes/

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, errors may exist. Please send advice of any errors or inaccuracies by email to:

Also your comments, suggestions and photos are sought to enhance this site.

The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
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