Hugh M Strachan
Barwon Rowing Club (Vic)
1851-1933
Strachan was associated with wool broking in Geelong - Strachan Murray Shannon. He was also a pastoralist and company director.
He married Elizabeth Campbell Shannon in 1876.
His rowing commenced at school and he coxed the Melbourne Grammar School crew in the first APS Head of the River race in 1868 and raced in the bow seat of the 1969 crew.
Strachan's rowing career was not long or distinguished but he served as a key person in the formation of the Australian Henley regatta and chaired their Executive Committee 1904-1922 inclusive.
1868 - APS Head of the River, Melbourne Grammar Four, cox - Second
1869 - APS Head of the River, Melbourne Grammar Four, bow - Second
1871 - Ballarat Regatta, maiden four, stroke - First
1877 - Geelong and Barwon Regatta, junior eight, bow - First
1904-22 - Australian Henley Executive Committee Chair
Brother of James Ford Strachan II who raced in the 1872 Intercolonial fours championship.
Andrew Guerin
January 2021 (updated January 2025)