Chapter 3  1946-1970 Restart to Still Water

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Chapter 3 Part 3 - 1960-70

1960-61

At the Olympic Games held in Rome, Italy, from August 25 to September 11, 1960, the results from the Australian Rowing Team were:­

Mens Single Sculls withdrawn - illness 

Mens Eight eliminated in repechage 

Mens Pair Minus eliminated in repechage 

Mens Four w/cox fifth in final

Mens Pair w/cox eliminated in repechage 

Mens Double Sculls eliminated in repechage 

Mens Four Minus eliminated in repechage 

The dismal rowing performance was in line with the rest of the Australian athletes, who went to Rome basking in the euphoria of the 1956 Games in Melbourne and found that they were not good enough by a wide margin. 

During 1960/61 the major thrust was towards competent coaches and more of them. All clubs were to try to induce experienced oarsmen back to make sure crews had coaches. Club membership was the lowest in recent history, and the major drain on membership was the fall-out through lack of competent coaches. 

The Champion Four of Queensland over 2000 metres was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on November 26, 1960 and attracted nine crews - Rockhampton District, Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., TH&CRC, Lismore Water Brigade & R.C., Brisbane District (Brisbane Boys' College), Commercial R.C., Toowong R.C. and Pine Rivers R.C .. Rockhampton went over the line first but was disqualified for crossing over. Bundaberg was awarded the race with Brisbane a very close second and Commercial third. The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - E. Zunker (B) L. Zunker (2) G. Zunker (3) G. Zunker (S) and B. Zunker (Cox).

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Rockhampton on April 1, 1961. The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres saw R. McLellan of Commercial R.C. win a hard fought race with his clubmate D. Donnelly to finally win by three lengths with P. Walsh of TH&CRC a further half length away. Bundaberg R.C. sculler R. Macdonald dropped out with about 500 metres to row.

In the Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres, Bundaberg R.C. had no difficulty in winning by three lengths to Rockhampton District and a further 2 1/2 lengths to Brisbane Boys' College. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - B. Zunker (B) B. Zunker (2) D. Killer (3) K. Zunker (S) and I. Lohse (Cox).

The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres was won by Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) by 1 3/4 lengths to U.Q.B.C. and two lengths to Rockhampton District in third place. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was - R. Bell (B) T. Dawson (2) G. Angus (3) R. Leggett (S) B. Irwin (Cox) and J. Donohue (Coach).

The Champion Schoolboys' Four over 1500 metres was won by Bundaberg High School by 1 1/4 lengths to Rockhampton District. 

The winning Bundaberg High School crew was - G. White (B) P. Robinson (2) P. Vandenberg (3) D. Gough (S) and G. Payne (Cox).

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres saw four crews entered - Rockhampton District, Bundaberg R.C., Commercial R.C. and Brisbane District (U.Q.B.C.). Brisbane raced out of the start and drew away to a clear lead early, and led all the way to win by 1 1/2 lengths to Commercial, one length to Rockhampton and Bundaberg fourth. 

The winning Brisbane District (University) crew was - R. Philp (B) J. Drewe (2) P. Jorss (3) J. Ireland (4) I. Mayes (5) J. Job (6) B. Clarke (7) J. Adam (S) B. Egan (Cox) and R.B. Scott (Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Fitzroy rowed later in the day P. Walsh of Tweed Heads defeated D. Donnelly in the Sculls, YMCA defeated two Bundaberg crews in the Under 20 Four, Rockhampton District defeated University in the Lightweight Four and in the Eight, Brisbane District defeated Commercial and Rockhampton District. 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 8, 1961. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by 3/4 length to Church of England Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- D. Job (B) B. Perkins (2) D. Hall (3) D. Hood (4) C. Bartlett (5) P. White (6) B. Carlyle (7) J. Lyndon (S) P. Cribb (Cox) and D. Magoffin (Coach).

The First Four over 3/4 mile was won by B.B.C. from B.S.H.S. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Second Four was won by B.B.C. from B.G.S. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Third Four over 1/2 mile was won by G.T. from C.E.G.S. and B.B.C.. 

The Fourth Four was won by B.B.C. from B.G.S. with C.E.G.S. and G.T. in a dead heat for third place. 

The Fifth Four was won by B.B.C. from T.S.S. and G.T.. 

The Sixth Four was won by B.B.C. from B.S.H.S. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Seventh Four was won by B.B.C. from B.G.S. B and G.T.. 

The Eighth Four was won by C.E.G.S. from B.G.S. and B.B.C.. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Parramatta River in Sydney on April 15, 1961. Victoria led early from Queensland with New South Wales third until about halfway, where the New South Wales crew, coping better with the heavy conditions, took the lead and gradually moved away to win by three lengths to Victoria and a further three lengths to Queensland in third place. The Queensland crew found it practically impossible to hold their shell in the heavy going. 

The Queensland Ladies' were Misses A. de Munari (B) F. Lewis (2) B. Benson (3) D. Christensen (S) and Mr. R. Kerr (Cox). 

There was no Queensland Ladies' Championship rowed in the 1960/61 season. Apparently, the University of Queensland Women's Boat Club crew was the only one rowing, and being willing to represent, were duly nominated. 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Port River, Adelaide on May 6, 1961. The Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup was won by R. Ninham of Western Australia by three lengths to G. Squires of Tasmania, 1 1/2 lengths to J. Sykes of Victoria, then W. Mison of New South Wales, R. McLellan of Queensland and R. McKenzie of South Australia. 

The Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup was won by New South Wales by a canvas to Western Australia, a half length to Victoria, then South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup, the six crews were together for the first 200 metres, then Victoria nosed ahead of Queensland and New South Wales. Victoria had a canvas on New South Wales, then Queensland and Western Australia at the 1000 metres. New South Wales twice challenged Victoria's length lead near the finish, but could not match the Victorian rating of 39 strokes to the minute over the final stretch. Victoria won by two thirds of a length to New South Wales, a length to Western Australia, then South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. 

The Intervarsity Boat Race was rowed in Brisbane on May 27, 1961, and was won by Sydney University. 

At A.A.R.C. level, it was decided that the events at a King's Cup regatta could be decided by heats, repechage and finals, so long as the organising State made application to the A.A.R.C. in the year prior to the running of the regatta. The 1962 King's Cup Regatta was to be held on Lake Wendouree on March 24, 1962, and would be the test race for the Eight and Single Sculls for the 1962 Empire Games in Perth. 

The test races for Double Sculls, Four with Cox, Four without Cox, Pair with Cox and Pair without Cox would be conducted over Easter - Anzac Day period April 21-25. This regatta would be styled the National Championship Regatta and would include a Lightweight Eight and a Lightweight Single Sculls in addition to the test races. 

The Queensland rowing programme for 1961/62 was to be radically changed to allow crews wishing to compete in the test races time to train and be at their peak. The Champion Eights were to be rowed on January 29, 1962, in Bundaberg and the Champion Fours on April 7. 

Bundaberg won the 1960/61 Premiership with 96 points to University on 88 points. 

Motions for the 1961 A.G.M. contained proposals to make the District conducting the State Champion Four and/or Eight stage their River Championships on the same day; proposal to row the Under 20 Four on the same day and in the same district as the State Champion Four. 

The office bearers remained unchanged at the 1961 A.G.M.. 

1961-62

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Bundaberg on February 17, 1962. In the Champion Sculls over 2000 metres, R. McLellan of Commercial R.C. had little trouble in defeating J. Bennett of Commercial R.C. by fifteen lengths with a further two lengths to T. Cassidy of U.Q.B.C. followed by J. Delahunty also of U.Q.B.C.. 

In the Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres, R. McLellan backed up in the No.2 seat of the Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew which won by 2 1/4 lengths to Commercial R.C., then Rockhampton District and U.Q.B.C. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was - D. Richards (B) R. McLellan (2) R. Clifton (3) L. Simshauser (S).and W. Bennett (Cox).

The Champion Schoolboys Four over 1500 metres attracted only two entries - Bundaberg High School and Rockhampton State High School - with Bundaberg winning by a half length. 

The winning Bundaberg High School crew was - I. Fleming (B) J. Magill (2) J. de Lange (3) G. Bothwell (S) and A. Ing (Cox).

In the Champion Eight over 2000 metres there were five starters - Rockhampton District, Bundaberg R.C., U.Q.B.C., Toowong R.C. and Brisbane District (Commercial R.C). Brisbane started well and rating a strong 40 were in control at the 1000 metres and finished strongly to defeat University by three lengths, a half length to Bundaberg, then Rockhampton and Toowong. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was - G. Angus (B) R. Hinchy (2) J. Love (3) T. Clarke (4) A. Higgins (5) R. Harmsworth (6) S. Hinchy (7) K. Monk (S) W. Bennett (Cox) and D. Donnelly (Coach).

In the Championships of the Burnett, R. McLellan of Commercial won the Sculls from J. Bennett; Rockhampton District won the Lightweight Four from Brisbane District and Commercial and the Eight was won by Brisbane District from Rockhampton District and University. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat on March 23 & 24, 1962. All races were rowed over 2000 metres and in heats and repechage on the Friday and final on the Saturday, under conditions as near as possible to Olympic standard. 

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup, in Heat 1 I. Tutty of New South Wales defeated G. Squires of Tasmania and G. Fitzgerald of South Australia; in Heat 2 J. Sykes of Victoria defeated G. Hubbard of Western Australia. In the repechage G. Squires defeated G. Hubbard and G. Fitzgerald. In the final I. Tutty of New South Wales defeated G. Squires of Tasmania by four lengths followed three lengths behind by J. Sykes of Victoria and then G. Hubbard of Western Australia.

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup, in Heat 1 Victoria defeated New South Wales and Tasmania; in Heat 2 Western Australia defeated South Australia. In the repechage New South Wales defeated South Australia and Tasmania did not finish. In the final Victoria defeated New South Wales by four lengths then 1 1/2 lengths to Western Australia and South Australia fourth. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup, in Heat 1 Tasmania defeated Queensland; in Heat 2 New South Wales defeated South Australia; in Heat 3 Victoria defeated Western Australia. Queensland was unable to compete in the repechage owing to the illness of a crew member and Western Australia defeated South Australia to progress to the final. In the final Victoria defeated Western Australia by half a length, with 1 1/2 lengths to Tasmania and a further half length to New South Wales. 

The report of the coach of the 1962 Queensland King's Cup crew which was unable to proceed after the heat owing to the illness of S. Hinchy, stressed that the crew was not fit enough. The crew was never rowed right out as they were in the King's Cup heat. Secondly, the crew were not physically big enough and lacked the sheer power of southern crews. 

Following this report, Brisbane District accepted a proposal put up by Dick Scott, which would have the effect of boating the best possible composite eight within the district. 

There is no record of a Ladies' Championship being conducted in the 1961/62 season but at the Brisbane Boys' College regatta held on March 31, 1962, a women's test race was conducted to decide who would represent Queensland in Melbourne. This has been treated as the Queensland Championship and the University of Queensland Women's Boat Club "A" crew defeated their "B" crew. 

The winning University Ladies were Misses E. Robinson (B) J. French (2) B. Benson (3) J. Nimmo (S) and Mr. S. Hood (Cox). 

The Champion Fours regatta was rowed in Bundaberg on April 7, 1962. The Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres attracted four entries - Rockhampton District, Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg High School and U.Q.B.C. The Rockhampton District crew won by two lengths to Bundaberg High School. 

The winning Rockhampton District crew was - I. Lucas (B) G. Daley (2) J. Sefton (3) L. Holman (S) and M. Pearson (Cox).

The Champion Four over 2000 metres had five starters - Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., U.Q.B.C. and Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.). Bundaberg and Rockhampton set a fast pace from the start and Bundaberg took a small lead but steered erratically and Rockhampton went to the lead and won by half a length to Bundaberg with University third, then Brisbane and Leichhardt. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - G. Jarvis (B) R. Lucke (2) R. Mantle (3) F. Hick (S) S. Russell (Cox) and Dr. D. McClymont (Coach). 

The G.P.S. Head of the River was rowed on Milton Reach on April 14, 1962. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by one and a quarter lengths to Brisbane Grammar School, followed by Church of England Grammar School and St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. 

The winning crew was:- D. Simpson (B) D. Alexander (2) J. Blackburne. (3) I. Robertson (4) S. Allen (5) I. Leslie (6) I. Jamieson (7) D. Adam (S) S. Hood (Cox) and D. Magoffin (Coach).

The First Four over 3/4 mile was won by C.E.G.S. and B.B.C. who dead heated for first place, followed by B.G.S.. 

The Second Four was won by C.E.G.S. from T.S.S. and G.T.. 

The Third Four over 1/2 mile was won by C.E.G.S. from B.G.S. and B.B.C.. 

The Fourth Four was won by C.E.G.S. from B.G.S. and B.S.H.S. who dead heated for second place. 

The Fifth Four was won by B.G.S. from G.T. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Sixth Four was won by B.B.C. A from B.S.H.S. and C.E.G.S.. 

The Seventh Four was won by B.B.C. A from B.B.C. B and B.G.S. A who dead heated for second place. The Eighth Four was won by C.E.G.S. A from G.T. A and G.T. B. 

The Leichhardt R.C. four which had won the Queensland Champion Four represented at the National Regatta rowed at Lake Wendouree, coming third in their heat and being eliminated in the repechage. 

The first National Regatta for club crews, composite or otherwise and allowing for composite crews of mixed State origin was rowed on Lake Wendouree on April 21 and 23, 1962, all races being over 2000 metres. The results of the racing were as follows:-

Four with Cox 

1. Corio Bay RC, VIC, 2. Vic. Composite, 3. Colleagues RC NSW

Pair without Cox

1. Mosman RC No. 2 NSW, 2. Mercantile RC VIC, 3. Nagambie RC VIC

Lightweight Single Sculls

1. J. Sykes – Corio Bay VIC, 2. S. Roll Leichhardt RC NSW, 3. C. Bullard – Haberfield RC NSW

Lightweight Pair with Cox

1. South Melbourne VIC, 2, Hawthorn RC VIC, 3. Yarra Yarra RC, VIC

Double Sculls

1. Haberfield RC NSW, 2. Mosman RC NSW, 3. Buckingham/Mercantile RC TAS

Four without Cox

1. Mosman NSW, 2. Sydney RC NSW, 3. Mercantile RC VIC

Lightweight Eight

1. Mercantile RC VIC, 2. Sydney RV NSW, 3. Leichhardt RC NSW

Pair with Cox

1. Wendouree RC VIC, 2. Haberfield RC NSW

Noel Wilkinson of Victoria was appointed Rowing Manager for the Empire Games in Perth, and R.G. Longmore and R. Lyndon of Queensland were appointed as members of the boat race officials panel. Australia was represented in all rowing categories - Eight, Single Sculls, Double Sculls, Four with Cox, Four without Cox and Pair without Cox. 

New South Wales was given the right to hold the next National Regatta in 1964. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on Albert Park Lake in Melbourne on April 28, 1962. New South Wales defeated Victoria by a canvas with Queensland a length behind in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses E. Robinson (B) J. French (2) B. Benson (3) J. Nimmo (S) and Mr. S. Hood (Cox). 

The Premiership for 1961/62 was won by Commercial on 186 points to Leichhardt on 103 points. 

The office bearers remained unchanged at the 1962 A.G.M.. 

1962-63

In the first World Rowing Championships held in Lucerne in September, 1962, Australia was represented by an Eight from Victoria coached by Alan Jacobsen, a Four without Cox from Victoria coached by Ron Jelbart, and by the Australian Sculling Champion, Ian Tutty of New South Wales. Both the eight and the four performed particularly well and rowed fifth in the world from about 18 competing countries. Ian Tutty came fourth in the Petite Final for 10th ranking. 

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Rockhampton on November 17, 1962. In the Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres there were five starters - Rockhampton District, Leichhardt R.C., Bundaberg R.C., Bundaberg High School and Commercial R.C .. The Bundaberg R.C. crew stroked smoothly over the course to win by two lengths to Leichhhardt with Rockhampton District four lengths behind, followed by Commercial and Bundaberg High School. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - I. Rimmington (B) M. Hall (2) W. Bird (3) J. Barker (S) L. Smith (Cox) and G. Moran (Coach).

The Champion Four over 2000 metres was contested by only three crews - Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) and Commercial R.C.. Rockhampton went to the lead and were never headed while the Brisbane and Commercial crews fought out a see sawing battle for second place. Rockhampton moved away effortlessly after the halfway mark to win by six lengths to Brisbane and a further 2 1/2 lengths to Commercial. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - G. Jarvis (B) R. Lucke (2) R. Mantle (3) F. Hick (S) S. Russell (Cox) and Dr. D. McClymont (Coach).

In the Championships of the Fitzroy, the Under 20 Four was won by Rockhampton District from Leichhardt and Commercial and in the Champion Four Rockhampton District won from Leichhardt. 

The rowing results in the Empire Games at Perth on November 24/27, 1962, were not altogether favourable for Australia. The Eight came first; the Four with Cox came second; the Four without Cox was eliminated in the repechage; the Pair without Cox came third; the Double Sculls came third and the Single Sculls came third. 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over 1000 metres was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on March 30, 1963, and saw the U.Q.W.B.C. "A" crew defeat their "B" crew by six lengths. 

The winning University Ladies were Misses E. Robinson (B) D. Christensen (2) J. Whiteley (3) J. Nimmo (S) and Mr. L. Douglas (Cox).

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 6, 1963. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by two feet to Brisbane State High School, followed by St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane Grammar School, The Southport School and Brisbane Boys' College. 

The winning crew was:- P.D. Burton (B) P.R. Richards (2) B. Schmidt (3) P. Shakespear (4) P.C. Fry (5) P.C. Neville (6) W.W. Noble (7) G.B. Early (S) D.J. Watson (Cox) and J.I. Thodey (Coach).

The First Four over 3/4 mile was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S. with G.T. and T.S.S. in a dead heat for third place. 

The Second Four was won by T.S.S. from C.E.G.S. and B.B.C. in a dead heat for second place. 

The Third Four over 1/2 mile was won by C.E.G.S. from T.S.S. and G.T. in a dead heat for second place. The Fourth Four was won by C.E.G.S. from B.B.C. and B.S.H.S.. 

The Fifth Four was won by B.B.C. from C.E.G.S. and B.S.H.S.. 

The Sixth Four was won by B.B.C. A from B.G.S. A and G.T.. 

The Seventh Four was won by B.B.C. B from C.E.G.S. B and C.E.G.S. A. 

The Eighth Four was won by B.B.C. B from G.T. A with C.E.G.S. B and B.B.C. A in a dead heat for third place. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on April 13, 1963. The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres saw the Brisbane District (Toowong R.C.) have a runaway win over Commercial R.C. by five lengths with a half length to Leichhardt R.C. in third position. 

The winning Brisbane District (Toowong R.C.) crew was -

D. Hall (B) P. Hemming (2) B. Hemming (3) D.J. Murphy (S) G. Brett (Cox) with D. Magoffin and T. Jack (Coaches).

The Champion Schoolboys' Four over 1500 metres had five entrants - Bundaberg High School, Christian Brothers Gregory Terrace "A" and "B", Church of England Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School. Churchie won by 1 1/4 lengths from Gregory Terrace "B" and Bundaberg High School third, a further half length behind. 

The winning C.E.G.S. crew was - D. Fossey (B) A. Bartlett (2) P. McMillan (3) M. Reynolds (S) and M. Hartley (Cox).

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres was contested by Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Bundaberg District, Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) and U.Q.B.C.. The race developed into a very close tussle between University and Brisbane, but over the last 500 metres Brisbane raised the effort to defeat University by 1 1/2 lengths with Rockhampton 2 1/2 lengths behind in third place, then Bundaberg. The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was -

N. Caims (B) R. Hinchy (2) P. Clutterbuck (3) D. Donnelly (4) J. Love (5) N. Fielding (6) A. Elliott (7) R. Harmsworth (S) W. Bennett (Cox) and A. Fielding (Coach).

The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres was rowed on Monday April 15, 1963, on Milton Reach and drew a big field consisting of J. Pressler (Bundaberg), P. Cassidy (UQBC), B. Palmer (UQBC), J. Delahunty (UQBC), R. McLellan (Commercial) and J. Bennett (Commercial). R. McLellan won by ten lengths to B. Palmer with J. Bennett a further four lengths back. This was McLellan's fifth State Sculls title.

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on April 20, 1963. New South Wales won by 1 1/4 lengths to Queensland with a half length to Victoria. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses E. Robinson (B) D. Christensen (2) J. Whiteley (3) J. Nimmo (S) and Mr.R. Mahoney (Cox). 

A race for the Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia over 1000 metres for the Nell Slatter Trophy was conducted for the first time. This trophy had been presented by the Queensland Womens' Rowing Council in honour of their long time President, Mrs. Nell Slatter (nee Nell Plint). H. Evans of New South Wales defeated her only opponent, B. Benson of Queensland, by sixteen lengths. 

No selection race was held for the Queensland Ladies' sculler since no sculls races for women were conducted at that time. Barbara Benson of the University of Queensland Women's Boat Club put her hand up to represent and was accepted. 

The Interstate Championships were conducted on the Milton Reach in Brisbane on May 3/4, 1963, the heats and repechage of the King's Cup being conducted on the Friday and the finals on the Saturday. The arrangements for racing were very satisfactory with a held start being provided from punts moored in the mid-stream and adjustments being made by shifting the punts on their mooring ropes. While the results were very good for the rowers and the starter, the effort required to locate the punts and adjust them was enormous. Eights had to be borrowed from local clubs for South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania and a four for South Australia. Fortunately, a local dealer provided six runabouts for the teams for the entire period, free of charge. 

The Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup saw five starters, only South Australia not being represented. G. Squires of Tasmania defeated J. Sykes of Victoria by a canvas with R. Shirlaw of New South Wales six lengths back in third place, then R. McLellan of Queensland and D.K. Walker of Western Australia.

The Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup saw five starters, only Western Australia not being represented. New South Wales defeated Victoria by 3/4 length with Queensland three lengths back in third place, followed by Tasmania and South Australia. 

The Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup was run in three heats. In Heat 1 New South Wales defeated Queensland; in Heat 2 Victoria defeated Western Australia; in Heat 3 Tasmania defeated South Australia. The repechage in the afternoon was won by Western Australia from South Australia and Queensland. The final was a classic. Seldom over the 2000 metres course did a boats length separate the four finalists and the lead changed hands frequently. With less than 500 metres to go Victoria appeared to have the race well in hand but New South Wales lifted their rating and challenged in an all out effort. Victoria with a brilliant controlled final effort took the race by a canvas to New South Wales, 3/4 length to Western Australia and a half length to Tasmania. 

Commercial again won the Premiership with 122 points to Leichhardt on 90 points. 

Bob Lyndon, an Honorary Life Member of the Q.A.R.C., passed away shortly before the A.G.M.. Bob had been Chairman of the Brisbane D.R.A. for many years, manager of Queensland King's Cup crews and a boat race official at the Empire Games and the Olympic Games, and a great worker for the sport. He had competed for Bundaberg, Cairns and Toowong clubs during his rowing career and would be sorely missed in many centres. 

The Honorary Secretary, Cal Malouf, advised that he could not continue owing to pressure of business and his resignation took effect at the 1963 A.G.M.. The only change in office bearers was Tom Jack replacing Cal Malouf as Honorary Secretary. 

1963-64

The Champion Fours regatta was held on Milton Reach in Brisbane on November 23, 1963. The Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres was won by Bundaberg R.C. by two lengths to GPSOB&BRC and three lengths to Commercial R.C.. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - W. Bird (B) M. Hall (2) L. Thomas (3) J. Barker (S) and L. Smith (Cox). 

In the Champion Four over 2000 metres the Brisbane District (UQBC) crew won by two lengths to Leichhardt R.C. and a further three lengths to Commercial R.C .. Bundaberg R.C. who had looked likely to take third place, capsized about 150 metres from the finish after their No.2 man crabbed and was hurled from the boat. In trying to recover their momentum the No.3 crabbed and fell out and the boat then capsized. 

The winning Brisbane District (University) crew was – P. Mahoney (B), I. Story (2), C. Bartlett (3), I. McCann (S) and R. Mahoney (Cox).

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Rockhampton on January 27, 1964. The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres was won by B. Bray of Pine Rivers R.C. by seven lengths to R. McLellan of Commercial R.C. and a further twelve lengths to J. Bennett, also of Commercial R.C .. 

The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres saw five crews competing - Rockhampton District 

(Leichhardt R.C.), Leichhardt R.C., Wide Bay R.C., Toowong R.C. and Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.). At the start Rockhampton were left a length behind when one of their crew crabbed, but they recovered to have a slight lead on Toowong at the halfway mark. With about 750 metres to go Brisbane challenged and drew almost level with Rockhampton inside the last 500 metres but Rockhampton responded to win by a half length to Brisbane with a further two lengths to Toowong.

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - J. Ganter (B) W .Jones (2) I. Jenkins (3) M. du Kamp (S) M. Burke (Cox) and I. Cameron (Coach).

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres had six entries - Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Bundaberg R.C., Wide Bay R.C., U.Q.B.C., GPSOB&BRC and Brisbane District (Composite). The race was delayed for an hour when Brisbane broke a rigger bolt as they were coming up to the starting line, and the race was rowed on a strong incoming tide with a 20 mph wind with it, making for fast rating. Over the first 500 metres Bundaberg, Rockhampton, GPSOB and Brisbane raced abreast of each other. GPSOB then appeared to settle down and after 700 metres took a lead of a canvas over Brisbane. Approaching the last 500 metres Brisbane started their run and edged slightly ahead. However with less than 100 metres to go the No.5 man in Brisbane caught a crab and threw the crew out of gear. GPSOB went on to win by two lengths and Bundaberg caught up on Brisbane to dead heat for second place. 

The winning G.P.S.O.B. & B.R.C. crew was - S. Corone (B) H. Arthur (2) A. Macleod (3) I. Elcock (4) D. Williams (5) S. Bale (6) A. Evans (7) P. Walsh (S) A. Bromiley (Cox) and N. Hirst (Coach).

In the Championships of the Fitzroy River rowed later in the day, B. Bray of Pine Rivers defeated J. Bennett of Commercial in the Sculls; Rockhampton District defeated Wide Bay and University in the Lightweight Four and Brisbane District defeated Rockhampton District and Bundaberg in the Eight. 

The Selection Committee chose N. Hirst as Coach with D. Donnelly and E.P. Evers to assist as co-selectors. A training squad consisting of the GP SOB eight, Brisbane District eight, F. Hick and I. Neill (Leichhardt), J. Barker and J. Pressler (Bundaberg) and C. Bartlett (UQBC) was formed. The crew finally selected to represent Queensland was - A. Elliott (B) P. Walsh (2) C. Bartlett (3) P. Clutterbuck (4) D. Williams (5) G. Petelin (6) A. Evans (7) I. McCann (S) and A. Bromiley (Cox) with S. Bale and A. Macleod as emergencies.

At the Bi-annual Conference held in Rockhampton on January 27, 1964, it was decided to add two further events to the State rowing calendar. The two races were the Champion Lightweight Eight and the Champion Coxless Four. The Council decided to hold the events as State titles in the 1963/64 season in conjunction with the Queensland Olympic test fours at Maryborough on April 14. 

In February 1964 the Queensland National Fitness Council financed a trip to Brisbane for Alan Callaway, the coach of the 1963 King's Cup crew from New South Wales, and coaches from all Brisbane clubs and schools attended a very interesting course on modem trends in rowing. 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over 1000 metres was rowed on the Milton Reach in Brisbane on March 7, 1964. U.Q.W.B.C. won by 4 1/2 lengths to Bundaberg Ladies with Pine Rivers Ladies a further 2 1/2 lengths behind. 

The University Ladies were Misses E. Denning (B) B. Benson (2) C. Marendy (3) M. O'Brien (S) and cox unnamed. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed on the Nepean River at Penrith on March 20 and 21, 1964. In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup all States were represented. P.F. Edwards of Victoria won by 2 1/2 lengths to J. Moore of Tasmania, a further six lengths to R. Shirlaw of New South Wales, then B. Bray of Queensland, D. Walker of Western Australia and B.W. Reschke of South Australia. 

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup all States were represented. Victoria defeated New South Wales by 3 feet, with a further 3/4 length to Western Australia, then Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia. 

The Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup was rowed in three heats and a repechage on the Friday and the final on the Saturday. In Heat 1 Queensland defeated Tasmania; in Heat 2 New South Wales defeated Western Australia; in Heat 3 Victoria defeated South Australia. In the repechage Western Australia defeated Tasmania and South Australia. In the final Victoria took the lead and maintained it throughout to win by 3/4 length to New South Wales, five lengths to Western Australia and Queensland well beaten. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed on the Parramatta River in Sydney on March 28, 1964. New South Wales demolished the field to win by twenty lengths to Queensland with Victoria 2 1/2 lengths further back in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses E. Denning (B) B. Benson (2) C. Marendy (3) M. O'Brien (S) and cox not named. 

The Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia over 1000 metres for the Nell Slatter Trophy was also rowed on the same day and resulted in an easy win for Mrs. H. Evans of New South Wales by ten lengths to Miss E. Keane of Sydney R.C. and Miss M. Travanner of North Shore R.C. in third place. 

A test race for Four with Cox was held in Maryborough on April 4, 1964, to decide which crew competed in the National Regatta in Canberra. This race was won very convincingly by a Bundaberg "Zunker" crew. 

On the same programme a race for the Champion Lightweight Eight of Queensland was held for the first time. The race saw entries from Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Wide Bay R.C., U.Q.B.C., Commercial R.C. and Toowong R.C.. Toowong RC won by a length from Commercial RC with half a length to Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.). 

The winning crew was:- B. Macfarlane (B), J. Moss (2), K. Bayley (3), R. Kerrison (4), L. Hemming (5), B. Hemming (6), D. Hall (7), D.J. Murphy (S) and C. Nicholl (Cox).

A Champion Four without Cox had also been on the programme but drew no entries. 

The Champion Schoolboys Four over 1500 metres had been postponed to this regatta and was won by a Rockhampton District crew who defeated Bundaberg and Wide Bay. 

The winning Rockhampton District crew was - R. Power (B) T. Dunne (2) C. Ryan (3) D. Ryan (S) R. Brymin (Cox) and J. Davison (Coach).

The Champion Lightweight Eight of the Mary was won by Rockhampton District from Wide Bay and Toowong. 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 4, 1964. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Brisbane Grammar School won by 3/4 length to The Southport School, followed by Brisbane State High School, Church of England Grammar School, Brisbane Boys' College and St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. 

The winning crew was:- P. Buckridge (B) P. Clayton (2) R. Flutter (3) B. Miller (4) T. Blanch (5) P. Robbins (6) V. Wills (7) K. Hudson (S) I. Buchanan (Cox) and J. Ireland (Coach).

The First Four over 3/4 mile was won by B.G.S. from T.S.S. and G.T.. 

The Second Four was won by T.S.S. from C.E.G.S. and G.T.. 

The Third Four over 1/2 mile was won by B.G.S. from T.S.S. and G.T.. 

The Fourth Four was won by G.T. from T.S.S. and B.B.C.. 

The Fifth Four was won by B.G.S. from C.E.G.S. and G.T.. 

The Sixth Four was won by B.S.H.S. from C.E.G.S. and G.T.. 

The Seventh Four was won by B.S.H.S. A from B.B.C. A and C.E.G.S. C. 

The Eighth Four was won by C.E.G.S B from B.B.C. A and B.B.C. B. 

The National Regatta was rowed on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra on April 30 to May 2, 1964, and as some of these races were for Olympic selection there was some criticism of the course and markings. 

However, the course had been changed from the West Lake Course only two days prior to racing, so some shortcomings were understandable. The races resulted:-

Four with Cox - Olympic trial 

1. Sydney RC NSW, 2. Leichhardt/Colleagues NSW, 3. Yarra Yarra/MUBC VIC

Lightweight Single Scull

1. J.R.Sykes - Corio Bay VIC, 2. S Roll, Leichhardt RC NSW

Pair without Cox - Olympic trial 

1. Mosman RC NSW, 2. Nagambie RC VIC, 3. Balmain RC NSW

Australian Schoolboy Four 

1. Cranbrook NSW, 2. Ballarat NSW, 3. Narwee NSW

Double Sculls

1. Mosman RC/Balmain RC NSW, 2. Yarra Yarra RC VIC, 3. Corio Bay RC/Wendouree RC VIC

Four without Cox - Olympic trial 

1. Mercantile RC VIC, 2. Leichhardt RC/Colleagues RC NSW, 3. Sydney RC NSW

Lightweight Eight 

1. Mercantile RC VIC, 2. Sydney RC NSW, 3. Yarra Yarra RC VIC

Pair with Cox – Olympic Trial

1. Nagambie RC VIC, 2. Hawthorn RC VIC, 3. Wendouree RC VIC

Australian Schoolboy Eight

1. Hutchins TAS, 2. Cranbrook NSW, 3. The Southport School QLD

The Southport School also nominated in the Schoolboy Four but do not appear to have competed. Bundaberg were eliminated in the repechage of the Four with Cox. 

The Intervarsity Boat Race was held in Franklin, Tasmania, and while the Queensland Eight and Lightweight Four were not fast enough, John Bennett won the Single Sculls by 10 seconds. 

The Premiership for 1963/64 was won by Leichhardt R.C. with 73 points to Commercial on 70 points. This was a tremendous feat for a club which had just had a major reconstruction. 

The death occurred during the year of Cliff Cullen, an Honorary Life Member of the Q.A.R.C.. He was a member of a King's Cup crew from Bundaberg and later coached one of their King's Cup crews. He moved to Brisbane and rowed with Toowong for a short time. He acted as Starter in Brisbane for many years officiating at State titles and King's Cup races. Cliff was another person who would be sadly missed in many centres. 

The office bearers remained unchanged at the 1964 A.G.M.. 

1964-65

The Australian Rowing Team for the Olympic Games in Tokyo in October 1964 and their results: 

Eight from Victoria8th out of 14 countries 

Four with Cox from Sydney R.C.10th out of 16 countries 

Single Sculler, P. Edwards of Vic.9th out of 13 countries 

Pair without Cox - Mosman R.C.9th out of 15 countries 

Pair with Cox - Nagambie R.C.9th out of 16 countries 

Four without Cox - Mercantile R.C.13th out of 14 countries 

Double Sculls - Mosman/Balmain12th out of 14 countries

Alec McLeish of Victoria was the Team Manager. The main reason given for the poor performance was lack of actual racing experience immediately before leaving Australia and lack of international experience in the year preceding the Games. 

In November, 1964, the Rothmans Foundation financed a trip to Brisbane by Merv Wood to conduct a clinic for scullers and it was very well attended and appreciated. 

The National Fitness Council financed a trip to Bundaberg for Alan Callaway to conduct a clinic primarily for country coaches and oarsmen. This clinic was also greatly appreciated. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Bundaberg on January 31, 1965. The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres had six entries - J. Pressler of Bundaberg RC., R. Fleming of Wide Bay RC., J. Delahunty of U.Q.B.C, J. Bennett of Commercial RC. and K. Curtin and B. Bray of Pine Rivers R.C.. Bray and Curtin clashed soon after the start resulting in Curtin being unable to continue the race, and Pressler had a three length lead at the 500 metres mark. Bray gradually reduced Pressler's lead and went on to win by three lengths to J. Bennett and half a length to Pressler. 

The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres had only three entrants - Rockhampton District (Leichhardt RC.), Leichhardt R.C. and Brisbane District (Commercial RC.). The two Rockhampton crews led out from the start and Brisbane did not take the lead until the 750 metre mark and held a canvas lead at halfway. From then on they forged ahead to win by five lengths to Leichhardt with Rockhampton third. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial RC.) crew was - C. Lewis (B) C. Mossell (2) R. McLellan (3) D.J. Murphy (S) M. Mahoney (Cox) and A. Fielding (Coach). 

In the Champion Schoolboys' Four Rockhampton Christian Brothers College won on a row-over. 

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres saw only GPSOB&BRC and Bundaberg RC. competing. A late entry from Rockhampton was not accepted by the Regatta Committee and Commercial's entry was withdrawn because of illness in the crew. GPSOB led out from the start and after having a lead of half a length at the 750 metres they gradually increased the margin to win by two lengths. 

The winning GPSOB&BRC crew was - J. Waddington (B) H. Arthur (2) A. Macleod (3) S. Bale (4) A. Loutit (5) A. Evans (6) A. Elliott (7) P. Walsh (S) A. Bromiley (Cox) and N. Hirst (Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Burnett rowed later in the day Curtin won the Sculls from Bennett, Pressler and Bray; Brisbane District again won the Lightweight Four from Leichhardt and in the Eight GPSOB again defeated Bundaberg. 

Possibly in view of Bray's fourth place in the River titles, the Selection Committee decided that a series of three test races be held in Brisbane on March 20 & 21 to decide the sculler to represent Queensland in Perth. Pressler won the first two test races and was endorsed for Perth. The lightweight four had apparently not been considered for endorsement. 

A composite Queensland Eight was selected after the Queensland Championships, but did not reach a time qualification and was not endorsed to compete in Perth. 

The Q.A.R.C. constitution and bye-laws were amended to conform with the revised A.A.RC. constitution. 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over 1000 metres was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on April 3, 1965, with Bundaberg Ladies defeating a U.Q.W.B.C. crew. 

The winning Bundaberg Ladies were Misses G. Duffy (B) J. Cook (2) A. Emerick (3) B. Hughes (S) and Mr.G. Smith (Cox). 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 10, 1965. The First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River resulted in a dead heat for first place between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Boys' College, a half length to Brisbane State High School, then St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace, Church of England Grammar School and The Southport School. 

The winning crews were:- B.G.S. - P.D. Channell (B) R.E. Scott (2) J.K. Valery (3) G.L. Story (4) J.G. Reed (5) D.C. Gough (6) R. Flutter (7) C.H. Davies (S) R.J. Walduck (Cox) and J. Ireland (Coach). B.B.C. - D. Svendsen (B) D. Gold (2) J. Willers (3) D. Brown (4) C. Clarke (5) S. Topou (6) E. Smith (7) P. Meyer (S) P. Haggarty (Cox) and D. Magoffin (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four1250m1. B.G.S.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.B.C.

Second Four1. B.S.H.S.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S.

Third Four750m1. B.S.H.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.G.S.

Fourth Four1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. G.T.

Fifth Four1. C.E.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. T.S.S.

Sixth Four1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C. B3. B.B.C. A & G.T.

Seventh Four1. B.B.C2. C.E.G.S.3. G.T.

Eighth Four1. C.E.G.S. B2. B.B.C. B & C.E.G.S. A

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Bundaberg on April 17, 1965. The Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres was convincingly won by Toowong R.C. by four lengths to Leichhardt R.C. and a further 1 1/2 lengths to Bundaberg R.C.. 

The winning Toowong R.C. crew was - M. Dixson (B) F. Fitzgerald (2) T. Mulligan (3) K. O'Rourke (S) E. Higgins (Cox) and R.P. Mahony (Coach).

The Champion Four with Cox over 2000 metres saw five starters -Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C), Bundaberg District, Bundaberg R.C., Wide Bay R.C. and Toowong R.C.. Bundaberg, Toowong and Rockhampton staged a great race early but then Rockhampton crabbed and Bundaberg drew away from Toowong to win by three lengths with Wide Bay a further 3 1/2 lengths back in third place. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - B. Zunker (B) B. Zunker (2) G. Zunker (3) L. Zunker (S) M. Habbermann (Cox) and C. Zunker (Coach).

The Champion Four minus Cox over 2000 metres rowed for the first time saw Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C) defeat Commercial R.C. by one length with Bundaberg R.C. third. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was -

G. Jarvis (B) J. Cowie (2) R. Frost (3) J. Davison (S).

The Champion Lightweight Eight over 2000 metres saw University gain control of the race over the last 200 metres to defeat Commercial R.C. by 1 1/2 lengths with the early leaders Rockhampton District a canvas back in third place. 

The winning U.Q.B.C. crew was -A. Philbrick (B) T. Robinson (2) R. Farquhar (3) J. Elliott (4) J. Pringle (5) P. Coyne (6) J. Major (7) M. O'Shea (S) I. Buchanan (Cox) and J. Ireland (Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Burnett rowed later in the day, Toowong again won the Under 20 Four from GPSOB and Wide Bay; in the Four with Cox Bundaberg won from Toowong and Leichhardt and in the Lightweight Eight, University defeated Leichhardt. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed in Melbourne on April 24, 1965. New South Wales defeated Victoria with Queensland third, then A.C.T. and South Australia. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses G. Duffy (B) J. Cook (2) A. Emerick (3) B. Hughes (S) and Mr. G. Smith (Cox). 

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls over 1000 metres for the Nell Slatter Trophy, 

Miss M. Hansen of New South Wales defeated Miss J. Beretta of Victoria. 

Negotiations were entered into with the Pine Rivers Shire Council to have earthworks carried out at Lake Kurwongbah to allow a straight four lane course over 2000 metres. 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Canning River in Perth on May 7 & 8, 1965. The Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup saw the heats and repechage on the Friday. In Heat 1 G. Pearce of New South Wales defeated J. Yuille of Western Australia and J. Pressler of Queensland; in Heat 2 J. Moore of Tasmania defeated P. Edwards of Victoria and B. McKenzie of South Australia. In the repechage J. Pressler defeated B. McKenzie. In the final on the Saturday G. Pearce of New South Wales defeated J. Moore of Tasmania and P. Edwards of Victoria followed by J. Yuille of Western Australia and J. Pressler of Queensland. 

The Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup was rowed as a straight final on the Saturday and saw New South Wales win by 5 sec. to a surprising South Australia crew with a further 10 sec. to Victoria followed by Western Australia and Tasmania. 

The Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup was also rowed in heats and repechage. In Heat 1 New South Wales defeated Western Australia and Tasmania; in Heat 2 Victoria defeated South Australia. In the repechage Western Australia defeated Tasmania and South Australia. In the final on the Saturday New South Wales defeated Victoria by .4 sec. with Western Australia 5.3 sec. away third, followed by Tasmania. 

The A.A.R.C. announced that examinations would be conducted by the A.A.R.C. Umpire/Referees Panel prior to each Interstate and National Regatta to issue licences to successful candidates. No unlicenced person would be allowed to officiate at any such regatta in future. 

It was with very deep regret that the resignation of Alf Lewis as Bundaberg representative on the Council was accepted. Alf was Bundaberg's representative from 1936 to 1965 and was Queensland's leading umpire for 11 years. 

Tom Jack resigned as Honorary Secretary as he had accepted a position with a different company and this would take him out of Brisbane. 

The 1964/65 Premiership was won by GPSOB & BRC with 148 points to Bundaberg on 114 points. 

Wilf Mole was elected an Honorary Life Member at the 1965 A.G.M.. The election of Ron Mahony as Honorary Secretary to replace Tom Jack was the only change in office bearers at the A.G.M.. 

Unfortunately the work on Lake Kurwongbah was unable to be done as the rain filled the lake. 

1965-66

In November 1965 a series of three test races against New Zealand were conducted on the Leichhardt course in Sydney, at Penrith and at Ballarat. The Australian team of an Eight, Pair without Cox and Single Sculler were all from New South Wales. New Zealand won all races, except one pairs race, and the Australian failure in these test races following the failure to reach any finals in the Tokyo Olympics, was a cause of great concern to rowing administrators in Australia. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Maryborough on January 29 & 30, 1966. The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres had five entries. B. Bray of Brisbane District (Pine Rivers RC.) defeated J. Pressler of Bundaberg RC. with R. Fleming of Wide Bay RC. third and the Commercial and University entries unplaced. 

The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres attracted entries from Brisbane District (UQBC), U.Q.B.C., Commercial RC. and Rockhampton District (Leichhardt RC). The Commercial crew, rowing a well judged race, won from Brisbane and University, then Rockhampton in fourth place. 

The winning Commercial crew was – D.J. Murphy (B) C. Mossell (2) K. Curtin (3) T. Dawson (S) A. Simpson (Cox) and A. Fielding (Coach).

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres was rowed in heats, repechage and final for the first time. The heats were run off late on Saturday afternoon, the repechage early Sunday morning, and final late Sunday evening. The crews entered were Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.), Bundaberg RC., Wide Bay R.C., Commercial RC., U.Q.B.C., Toowong R.C. and Brisbane District (GPSOB&BRC).

Heat 1.University defeated Rockhampton and Commercial

Heat 2Bundaberg defeated Wide Bay 

Heat 3Brisbane defeated Toowong 

In the repechage Toowong defeated Wide Bay, Commercial and Rockhampton. In the final Brisbane defeated University by 2 1/2 lengths with Bundaberg a half length behind in third place, then Toowong.

The winning Brisbane District (GPSOB&BRC) crew was - G. Daly (B) H. Arthur (2) A. Macleod (3) T. Anderson (4) R. Alexander (5) I. Revie (6) A. Elliott (7) A. Evans (S) A. Bromiley (Cox) and N. Hirst (Coach).

Following the Champion Eights regatta the selection panel confirmed N. Hirst as coach of the King's Cup Eight and from a panel of oarsmen selected a composite crew. The only changes to the winning GPSOB crew were P. Jell of University and B. Moroney of Toowong added to the crew. A. McLeod was dropped and H. Arthur named as emergency. The Commercial Lightweight Four was confirmed for the Penrith Cup and B. Bray for the President's Cup. 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over 1000 metres was rowed in Bundaberg on March 17, 1966, and resulted in a row-over for Bundaberg Ladies. 

The Bundaberg title holders were Misses D. Mallett (B) J. Cook (2) A. Emerick (3) B. Hughes (S) and Mr. G. Smith (Cox). 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Huon River at Franklin in Tasmania on March 25 & 26, 1966. All events were rowed in heats and repechage on the Friday and finals on the Saturday. 

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls over 2000 metres for the President's Cup, Heat 1 saw J. Sykes of Victoria defeat J. Moore of Tasmania and B. Bray of Queensland; in Heat 2 R. Shirlaw of New South Wales defeated D.K. Walker of Western Australia and B. Reschke of South Australia. In the repechage J. Moore defeated B. Bray, D. Walker and B. Reschke. In the final J. Sykes of Victoria defeated J. Moore of Tasmania by 3/4 length, a further two lengths to R. Shirlaw of New South Wales, then B. Bray and D. Walker.

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four over 2000 metres for the Penrith Cup, Heat 1 saw Tasmania win from Western Australia and Queensland; in Heat 2 Victoria won from New South Wales and South Australia. In the repechage South Australia defeated New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland. In the final, Victoria defeated South Australia by 3/4 length with a canvas to New South Wales third, then Tasmania and Western Australia. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race over 2000 metres for the King's Cup, Heat 1 was won by Victoria from Western Australia and Queensland; Heat 2 was won by South Australia from Tasmania and New South Wales. In the repechage New South Wales defeated Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. In the final Victoria defeated New South Wales by half a canvas with a quarter length to South Australia, two lengths to Tasmania and three lengths to Western Australia. 

B. Bray was the only Queenslander to make the final and his record showed that he improved his performance in every row.

In March, 1966, George Smoothey passed away. He had been Honorary Secretary of the Association from 1924 to 1930, Official Starter from 1926 to 1947 when he retired at 62 years of age. He had given a lifetime to the sport and set a hard example of service for those that followed. 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 2, 1966. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by one and three quarter lengths to Brisbane State High School, then The Southport School, Brisbane Grammar School, St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace and Church of England Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- G.I. Lingham (B) W.N. Jenkins (2) D.J. Matley (3) R.J. Townsend (4) C.A. Clarke (5) A.P. Loder (6) D.J. Brown (7) P.F. Meyer (S) S.J. Odgers (Cox) and D. Magoffin (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four1250m1. T.S.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Second Four1. T.S.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.S.H.S.

Third Four750m1. B.B.C.2. B.G.S.3. G.T.

Fourth Four1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.S.H.S.

Fifth Four1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.G.S.

Sixth Four1. B.B.C.2. G.T.3. T.S.S.

Seventh Four1. B.B.C.2. G.T.3. C.E.G.S.

Eighth Four1. G.T.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S.

Ninth Four1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.G.S.

Tenth Four1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.S.H.S.

Eleventh Four1. B.B.C.2. G.T.3. B.G.S.

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Rockhampton on April 9, 1966. In the Champion Under 20 Four over 2000 metres Toowong R.C. defeated GPSOB&BRC with Wide Bay R.C. third. 

The winning Toowong R.C. crew was - S. Mulligan (B) D. Matley (2) C. Clarke (3) F. Fitzgerald (S) NIA (Cox) and R.P. Mahony (Coach). 

In the Champion Lightweight Eight over 2000 metres the Rockharnpton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew fought gallantly and with a well timed home run defeated Brisbane District (Toowong R.C.) by 1 1/2 lengths with Wide Bay R.C. third. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - P.Cowie (B) B.Carolan (2) R. Robertson (3) I. Cowie (4) J. Hoare (5) W. Hoare (6) J. Davison (7) M. Burke (S) and I. Bretz (Cox).

In the Champion Four with Cox over 2000 metres the Brisbane District (U.Q.B.C.) crew defeated Bundaberg R.C. with Rockhampton District third. 

The winning Brisbane District (University) crew was J. Greenham (B) B. Miller (2) W. Noble (3) I. Story (S) I. Archer (Cox) and J. Ireland (Coach). 

In the Champion Four minus Cox over 2000 metres the Brisbane District (U.Q.B.C.) crew was again successful, defeating two Leichhardt R.C. crews for the title. 

In the Champion titles of the Fitzroy River, the Under 20 Four was won by GPSOB from Toowong and Bundaberg; the Lightweight Eight was won by Rockhampton District from Toowong and Wide Bay; the Four with Cox by Brisbane District from Leichhardt and Toowong and in the Four minus Cox Leichhardt defeated University. 

The Ladies' Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy was rowed at Snowden's Beach in Adelaide on April 16, 1966. These were the first Ladies titles rowed in Adelaide since 1940. A New Zealand Ladies' Four won by two lengths from Victoria, then 1 1/2 lengths to New South Wales, followed by A.C.T. and South Australia. As New Zealand rowed by invitation the title went to Victoria. There was no Queensland representation in this race. 

The Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia over 1000 metres for the Nell Slatter Trophy was won by Miss A. Thorne of Victoria by 3/4 length to Miss R. Hayes of New South Wales and 1 1/2 lengths to Miss K. Chappell of Queensland. 

The National Regatta was held on Lake Wendouree on April 29/30, 1966, and the winning clubs were:-

Four with Cox -NSW Composite

Four without Cox -Mercantile

Pair with Cox -Mercantile

Pair without Cox -Mosman

Double Sculls -Wendouree/Corio Bay

Lightweight Eight -Sydney

Lightweight Four without Cox -Haberfield

Lightweight Pair with Cox -Ballarat City

Lightweight Single Sculls -C. Bullard - Haberfield

Junior Eight (2nd grade) -Mercantile

All States except Western Australia competed, being represented by 296 competitors.

Following the regatta the A.A.R.C. Grading and Selection Committee recommended and the Council decided to send the following crews to the World Championships in Bled, Yugoslavia on September 8/11, 1966:-

Eight Oared crew from Victoria 

Four with Cox from N.S.W. 

Four without Cox from Victoria

The 1965/66 Premiership was won by GPSOB & BRC with 148 points to Leichhardt RC on 117 points. 

At the 1966 A.G.M., His Excellency Sir Alan Mansfield, K.C.V.O., D.S.O., assumed the patronage of the Q.A.R.C., succeeding Sir Henry Abel-Smith who had completed his term as Governor and returned to England. Roy Gill continued as President, Dick Scott replaced Eric Evers as Chairman, 

Ron Mahony continued as Honorary Secretary, Peter Cole was appointed Assistant Secretary, 

W. McDonald replaced Wilf Mole as Honorary Treasurer, P. Hemming was appointed Promotions Officer and Jack Jones appointed as Press Officer.

1966-67

In the Second World Rowing Championships at Bled, Australia finished tenth in the Eight out of 20 entries, the Four with Cox finished eighth out of 23 entries and in the Four without Cox from 20 entries the Australian crew missed out making the finals by .04 second. The main item lacking in the Australian crews was the stamina to row a hard course for four consecutive days at these International regattas. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on January 28 & 29, 1967. 

The Champion Lightweight Four over 2000 metres was rowed as a straight final on January 29. Bundaberg led out and held the lead until 300 metres from the finish when the Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew came with a strong finish to win by one length to Bundaberg R.C. and Rockhampton District who dead heated for second place. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was - C. Mossel (B) P. Case (2) D.J. Murphy (3) T. Dawson (S) L. Studart (Cox) and A. Fielding (Coach).

The Champion Eight over 2000 metres was rowed in heats and repechage on Saturday the 28th with the final on Sunday the 29th. In Heat 1 GPSOB defeated U.Q.B.C.; in Heat 2 Toowong defeated Commercial; in Heat 3 Bundaberg defeated Rockhampton District. In the repechage University defeated Commercial and Rockhampton District. In the final on the Sunday, Bundaberg took an early lead. After 500 metres Bundaberg led GPSOB, University and Toowong. At the 800 metre mark Bundaberg and GPSOB clashed blades when Bundaberg was leading by 3/4 length and it left the Bundaberg No.6 with only half the spoon area on his blade. GPSOB then took charge and although Toowong finished strongly, GPSOB won by 3/4 length to Toowong, then Bundaberg and University. A protest by Bundaberg was dismissed after consultation with the umpire and the two coxswains. 

The winning GPSOB & BRC crew was - A. Levick (B) S. Bale (2) A. Loutit (3) I. Revie (4) P. Jell (5) R. Alexander (6) R. John (7) A. Elliott (S) A. Bromiley (Cox) and I. Elcock (Coach).

The Champion Sculls over 2000 metres had been scheduled for the Milton Reach on Monday January 30 but, because of the cyclonic conditions, the race was transferred to the Town Reach. In some of the roughest conditions seen in Brisbane, J. Pressler of Bundaberg R.C. won easily by seven lengths to B. Moroney of Toowong R.C. and a further four lengths to C. Clarke of Toowong R.C..

A composite eight and lightweight four were selected to represent in the Interstate series. 

The Ladies' Four-oared Championship over 1000 metres was rowed at Bundaberg on March 18, 1967. There were only two Bundaberg Ladies' crews competing and the four stroked by Miss J. Cook defeated a four stroked by Miss C. Boulter by two lengths. 

The winning Bundaberg Ladies were Misses R. Smith (B) D. Kratzman (2) A. Emerick (3) J. Cook (S) and Mr. G. Sauer (Cox). 

The Champion Fours regatta was held on Milton Reach in Brisbane on March 25, 1967, all races being over 2000 metres. The Champion Under 20 Four was won by GPSOB from Toowong R.C. and Bundaberg R.C..

The winning GPSOB & BRC crew was - J. Alexander (B) R. Elliott (2) A. Levick (3) P. Huggett (S) J. Wagstaff (Cox) and R.G. Longmore (Coach).

The Champion Four with Cox was won by GPSOB from Bundaberg R.C. and U.Q.B.C.. 

The winning GPSOB & BRC crew was - A. Elliott (B) I. Revie (2) R. Alexander (3) T. Anderson (S) J. Wagstaff (Cox) and I. Elcock (Coach).

The Champion Four minus Cox was won by U.Q.B.C. from GPSOB and GPSOB. 

The winning University crew was - D. Hood (B) J. Greenham (2) J. Ricketts (3) and I. Story (S). 

The Champion Lightweight Eight was won by U.Q.B.C. from GPSOB and Bundaberg R.C .. 

The winning University crew was - J. Pringle (B) R. Warren (2) P. Svendsen (3) A. Philbrick (4) R. Farquhar (5) J. Clewitt (6) M. O'Shea (7) P. Meyer (S) and I. Buchanan (Cox).

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on the Milton Reach on April 1, 1967. In the First Eight for the Head of the River which was shortened to 1750 metres because of the very strong wind making it impossible to bring the crews onto the moored stake boats, Brisbane Grammar School won by one length to The Southport School, followed by Brisbane State High School and Church of England Grammar School. The winning crew was;- C. Gasteen (B) D. Grimmett (2) T. Vardy (3) G. O'Reilly (4) W. Arndt (5) T. Wheatley (6) M. Beaver (7) P. Logan (S) C. Bampton (Cox) and B. Montague (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four - 1500 m1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.S.H.S.

Second Four 1. T.S.S.2. G.T.3. B.B.C.

Third Four - 1000m1. T.S.S.2. G.T.3. C.E.G.S. 

Fourth Four 1. B.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. T.S.S.

Fifth Four -750m  1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C. and B.G.S.

Sixth Four - 1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S. and B.S.H.S.

Seventh Four - 1. B.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S. 

Eighth Four - 1. G.T.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S. 

Ninth Four -1. B.G.S.2. G.T.3. B.B.C.

Tenth Four - 1. B.G.S.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.S.H.S.

Eleventh Four 1. G.T.2. B.G.S.3. B.S.H.S.

The Ladies' Australian Championships were held on the Parramatta River in Sydney on April 8, 1967. In the Championship Four-oar of Australia over 1000 metres for the U.L.V.A. Trophy, New South Wales led all the way to win by 1 1/2 lengths to Victoria, then six lengths to Queensland. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses R. Smith (B) D. Kratzman (2) A. Emerick (3) J. Cook (S) and Mr.G. Sauer (Cox). 

In the Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia over 1000 metres for the Nell Slatter Trophy, Miss A. Thome of Victoria easily defeated Miss J. Broadmead of New South Wales. There was no Queensland representative sculler. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed on the Murray River at Murray Bridge in South Australia on April 21 & 22, 1967. All races were over 2000 metres and rowed in heats and repechage on the Friday and finals on the Saturday. 

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls for the President's Cup, Heat 1 was won by J. Moore of Tasmania from D. Ninham of Western Australia and R. Bradley of South Australia; in Heat 2, B. Shirlaw of New South Wales defeated J. Sykes of Victoria and J. Pressler of Queensland. In the repechage J. Sykes won from J. Pressler, R. Bradley and D. Ninham. The final resulted in a win for B. Shirlaw of New South Wales by 4 1/2 lengths to J. Sykes of Victoria, four lengths to J. Moore of Tasmania, and ten lengths to J. Pressler of Queensland in fourth place.

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four for the Penrith Cup, Heat 1 was won by South Australia from Queensland; in Heat 2 New South Wales won from Victoria and Western Australia. In the repechage Western Australia won from Victoria and Queensland. The final resulted in a win for New South Wales by two lengths to South Australia, five lengths to Victoria, then Western Australia. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race for the King's Cup, Heat 1 was won by New South Wales from South Australia and Western Australia; in Heat 2 Tasmania won from Victoria and Queensland. In the repechage South Australia won from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. The final was won by New South Wales by 1 1/4 lengths to Tasmania, 3/4 length to South Australia and 2 1/2 lengths to Victoria. 

A winter school of rowing was organised for oarsmen of maiden status and above in an effort to improve their efficiency, and prominent Victorian coach, Norm Cairnes, was brought to Bundaberg. The school concentrated on the basics of boat moving. Unfortunately the school did not receive a great deal of acceptance. 

The Premiership was won by GPSOB & BRC with 197 points to Bundaberg on 184 points. This 1966/67 win made it three in a row for the club and the win was not finalised until the final regatta of the season. 

During the year the death occurred of Rev. Mervyn Henderson, a life long supporter of rowing, and coach of GP SOB and Queensland crews, plus time keeping at regattas. The family home in Glen Road, Toowong, just upstream of the Regatta Hotel had often been the point for garden parties for regatta supporters. 

At the 1967 A.G.M. the Chairman, Dick Scott, unveiled a five year programme, to raise funds for the sport, to promote the sport to assist fund raising, to develop Lake Kurwongbah by buoying, etc., to hold rowing camps on the lake and to encourage small boat rowing. At this meeting Steve Hinchy replaced W. McDonald as Honorary Treasurer and M. Kelly replaced P. Hemming as Promotions Officer. 

1967-68

In July 1967 the A.A.R.C. Umpires Panel conducted examinations in Bundaberg and Australian licences were issued to the successful candidates. These licence holders now would make possible the establishment of a Queensland Boat Race Officials Association. 

The A.A.R.C. sent Australian crews to compete in the Canadian Centennial Regatta at St. Catherines in August, 1967, and in the European Championships at Vichy in France. The squad consisted of an Eight, Four with Cox and a Single Sculler - R. Shirlaw. 

In the Canadian Centennial Regatta, the Four with Cox won from U.S.A. and Denmark; the Eight came second to New Zealand with Germany third and the Sculler did not make the final. 

In the European Championships, the Eight came sixth behind West Germany, U.S.A., Russia, East Germany and Holland. The Four with Cox and the Sculler did not reach the finals. 

In the Ampol Trans Tasman Trophy races in New Zealand, the host country won the overall series of test races and retained the trophy. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Rockhampton on January 28 & 29, 1968, all ,races being over 2000 metres. 

The Champion Sculls was rowed as a straight final and had five entrants – J. Pressler and M. Ford of Bundaberg R.C., F. Kert of Commercial R.C., M. Reynolds of U.Q.B.C. and B. Moroney of Toowong R.C.. F. Kert had the race well in hand all the way and won by 2 1/2 lengths to M. Reynolds and a further seven lengths to J. Pressler.

The Champion Lightweight Four was also rowed as a straight final and had six entries - Rockhampton District, YMCA-Leichhardt R.C., Pine Rivers R.C., Commercial R.C., Toowong R.C. and U.Q.B.C .. The finish developed into a tussle between Pine Rivers and University, but with excellent stroking the Pine Rivers crew crossed the line in a "rowed-out" effort to win by 3/4 length to University, with 2 1/2 lengths to Commercial. 

The winning Pine Rivers R.C. crew was - G. Sprott (B) L. Cherry (2) B. Dwyer (3) I. Mitchell (S) G. Bell (Cox) and N. Hirst (Coach).

The Champion Eight was rowed in heats and repechage on Sunday 28th and final on Monday 29th.

Heat 1 Commercial R.C. won from Rockhampton District 

Heat 2GPSOB & BRC won from Toowong R.C. 

Heat 3Bundaberg R.C. won from U.Q.B.C. 

RepechageToowong won from University and Rockhampton District

In the final Bundaberg always looked in control and won by two lengths to GPSOB, and a further 1 3/4 lengths to Toowong. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - B. Zunker (B) D. Slaughter (2) J. Bigg (3) G. Lloyd-Jones (4) G. Zunker (5) L. Zunker (6) A. Zunker (7) B. Zunker (S) R. Hussey (Cox) and C. Zunker (Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Fitzroy River, F. Kert won the Sculls from M. Reynolds and J. Pressler; in the Lightweight Four, Pine Rivers won from Rockhampton District and in the Eights title Bundaberg defeated GPSOB. 

The Interstate Championships were held on the Nepean River at Penrith on March 29 & 30, 1968, and were Olympic trials for the Eight and Single Sculls. All events were rowed over 2000 metres with heats and repechage on Friday 29th and finals on Saturday 30th. 

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls for the President's Cup -

Heat 1F. Kert of Queensland defeated I. Winter of Tasmania and F. Levinge of South Australia 

Heat 2P. Edwards of Victoria defeated R. Reddel of New South Wales and I. Edwards of Western Australia

Repechage - R. Reddel defeated I. Winter, I. Edwards and F. Levinge 

In the final F. Kert of Queensland won by 7 sec. to P. Edwards of Victoria, a further 2.1 sec. to I. Winter of Tasmania and R. Reddel of New South Wales in fourth place. 

This was the first Queensland win in an Interstate event since the 1939 King's Cup. 

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four for the Penrith Cup -

In Heat 1South Australia defeated Western Australia and Queensland 

In Heat 2Victoria defeated New South Wales and Tasmania 

RepechageTasmania defeated New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia

In the final New South Wales won by 0.6 sec. to Victoria, a further 13.2 sec. to South Australia and Tasmania in fourth place. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race for the King's Cup 

In Heat 1New South Wales defeated Western Australia and Queensland 

In Heat 2Victoria defeated Tasmania and South Australia 

RepechageTasmania defeated South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland

In the final New South Wales won by 1.5 sec. to Victoria, a further 9.9 sec. to Tasmania and South Australia in fourth place. 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 6, 1968. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Brisbane Boys' College won by half a length to Brisbane Grammar School then Brisbane State High School. 

The winning crew was:- J.C. Brown (B) J.R. Woodward (2) D.W. Jamieson (3) J.G. Svendsen (4) A.M. Hart (5) C.J. Morley (6) R.J. Nixon (7) D.K. Moore (S) S.J. Odgers (Cox) and D. Magoffin (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four - 1500 m1. B.B.C. and C.E.G.S.3. B.G.S.

Second Four 1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.S.H.S.

Third Four - 1000m1. T.S.S.2. B.G.S.3. C.E.G.S. 

Fourth Four 1. B.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S. & T.S.S.

Fifth Four -750m  1. T.S.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Sixth Four - 1. B.G.S.2. T.S.S.3. B.B.C.

Seventh Four - 1. C.E.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. B.B.C. 

Eighth Four - 1. B.S.H.S & B.B.C.3. G.T.

Ninth Four -1. B.B.C.2. B.S.H.S.3. G.T.

Tenth Four - 1. G.T.2. B.G.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Eleventh Four 1. B.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Maryborough on April 13, 1968, and also included the Ladies' Four-oared Championship. The men's events were all rowed over 2000 metres and the ladies' events rowed over 1000 metres, including a new event, The Ladies' Lightweight Four-oar Championship. 

In the Ladies' Four-oared Championship Tweed Heads defeated Bundaberg R.C.. 

The winning T.H.& C.R.C. Ladies were Misses K. Andrews (B) D. Richardson (2) S. Ramaut (3) M. Grant (S) P. Jaques (Cox) and Mr.R. Barrett (Coach).

In the Ladies' Lightweight Four-oared Championship Tweed Heads again defeated Bundaberg R.C.. 

The winning T.H.& C.R.C. Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) P. Ward (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and J. Finucan (Coach).

In the Champion Under 20 Four, Toowong were first across the line after a clash with Rockhampton District. After a protest by Rockhampton to the committee of the Q.A.R.C., this contest was officially declared "NO RACE". 

In the Champion Four with Cox, Pine Rivers R.C. provided a sensation when they defeated the experienced Bundaberg R.C. crew, with Wide Bay R.C. in third place. 

The winning Pine Rivers R.C. crew was - G. Sprott (B) L. Cherry (2) K. Wagner (3) I. Mitchell (S) G. Bell (Cox) and A. Bromiley (Coach).

In the Champion Four minus Cox, Bundaberg R.C. defeated T.H.& C.R.C .. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - B. Zunker (B) D. Slaughter (2) A. Zunker (3) and B. Zunker (S). 

In the Champion Lightweight Eight, U.Q.B.C. defeated Toowong R.C. by 1 1/2 lengths with Rockhampton District a further 2 1/4 lengths away in third place. 

The winning University crew was - G. King (B) C. Clarkson (2) J. Brooke (3) J. Kluver (4) J. Alden (5) J. Major (6) J. Clewitt (7) M. O'Shea (S) J. Walduck (Cox) and I. Buchanan (Coach).

The National Regatta was held at Murray Bridge in South Australia on April 17/18, 1968, over 2000 metres and with Schoolboy events over 1500 metres. Queensland University sculler, Mike Reynolds, competed in the Lightweight Single Sculls and was eliminated in the repechage. Brisbane Grammar School competed in the Schoolboy Four and was eliminated in the repechage. The school was also entered for the Schoolboy Eight but do not appear to have competed. Commercial R.C. came third in the Double Sculls. 

The results of the National Events were: 

Lightweight Pair with Cox 

1st Torrens 2nd Haberfield3rd Banks

Four with Cox 

1st Mercantile/MUBC 2nd Tasmanian Composite3rd Corio Bay

Lightweight Single Sculls 

1st Corio Bay, J Sykes2nd Haberfield, C. Bullard3rd S.A. Railways, R. Bradley

Junior Eight (Second Grade)

 1st Mercantile 2nd Adelaide3rd Ballarat Composite

Pair without Cox 

1st Banks2nd Mosman3rd Melbourne/MUBC

Lightweight Eight

1st Mercantile2nd Barwon3rd Derwent/Mercantile

Four without Cox 

1st Mosman/Sydney/Banks 2nd NSW Composite

Schoolboy Four with Cox 

1st Scotch Coll.-S.A. 2nd Pulteney Gram.3rd Vaucluse H.S.

Lightweight Four without Cox

1st Haberfield2nd Mercantile

Pair with Cox

1st Corio Bay 2nd Torrens3rd Ballarat City

Schoolboy Eight 

1st Kings Coll. - S.A. 2nd Christian Bros.3rd Camberwell H.S.

Double Sculls 

1st Corio Bay 2nd Sydney University3rd Commercial

The regatta was "Males Only".

The Ladies' Interstate Championships were rowed on the Yarra River in Melbourne on April 27, 1968. An extra race was added to the programme of championship events, the Ladies' Championship Lightweight Four-oar of Australia for the Victoria Cup. This trophy was presented by the Victorian Women's Rowing Association. All events were rowed over 1000 metres. 

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy, New South Wales led all the way to defeat Victoria by 2 1/2 lengths with Queensland in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses K. Andrews (B) D. Richardson (2) S. Ramaut (3) M. Grant (S) P. Jaques (Cox) and Mr. R. Barrett (Coach).

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia for the Nell Slatter Trophy, Miss M. Clarke of New South Wales defeated Miss A. Thome of Victoria by a length after the Victorian sculler had difficulty in steering and almost hit a bridge pylon. 

In the Ladies' Championship Lightweight Four-oar of Australia for the Victoria Cup, Victoria easily defeated New South Wales by three lengths with Queensland in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) P. Ward (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and Mr.J. Finucan (Coach).

Following the Interstate Championships and the National Regatta, the Australian Rowing Team for the Mexico City Olympics was announced. The Team was managed by R.C. Hemery of Perth and consisted of an Eight basically from New South Wales but including one Victorian, and a Pair without Cox from Banks R.C. in Victoria. The coach was Alan Callaway.

The 1967/68 Premiership was won by Bundaberg RC. with 263 points to Toowong on 82 points. 

In the 1967 /68 season the five year plan initiated by the Chairman was having teething troubles, the chief being that the income was only half of that required to support the other activities. The Brisbane District and the Q.A.R.C. were at loggerheads and this lack of co-operation did not help progress. 

During the year the deaths occurred of rowing identities in J. Fyfe Marr and Clavill Bere. Fyfe Marr, a lifelong member of Commercial RC. had represented Queensland as a sculler in Adelaide in 1913, rowed in the winning Commercial Champion Four in 1914 and in the winning Commercial Champion Eight in 1915. The family-run Marrs Guest House in Tank Street, Brisbane, was the home away from home for country oarsmen and the venue for the monthly meetings of the Brisbane District Rowing Association for many years. Clavill Bere was best known as rowing coach at The Southport School for over forty years where he achieved great success and was a member of the A.I.F. No. 2 crew in the 1919 Henley Regatta at which the trophy which we now know as the King's Cup was presented to the winning A.I.F No. 1 crew by King George V. The rowing community was the poorer for the passing of these two men. 

The only changes in the office bearers at the 1968 A.G.M. were that Jack Jones replaced M. Kelly as Promotions Officer and the position of Press Officer disappeared. 

1968-69

The upper level of the O'Connor Boathouse, home of Commercial Rowing Club, was destroyed by fire on September 1, 1968, although most of the boats were saved by prompt action by the Fire Brigade officers. Quite a few boats were damaged and all blades were lost, plus all permanent rowing trophies stored in the committee room. The arsonist who lit the blaze also lit a fire on the same night in the Supreme Court building which caused extensive damage. 

The club was not permitted to rebuild on the site which was on the line of the proposed River Expressway, but were able to lease a brick warehouse on the South Bank near the old St. Helens Hospital and shifted their operations there in May/June 1969. The club operated from the lower floor of the old shed in the intervening period. 

In the Olympic Games in Mexico City in October, 1968, the Australian Eight-oared crew covered themselves in glory by taking silver, 0.98 sec. behind West Germany, followed by Russia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia and U.S.A.. The Pair without Cox performed creditably to be seventh in the world. 

The Champion Eights regatta was rowed in Bundaberg on February 8 & 9, 1969. All events were rowed over 2000 metres, with heats and repechage on Saturday 8th and finals on Sunday 9th. 

In the Champion Sculls 

In Heat 1 - F. Kert of Commercial R.C. defeated J. Pressler of Bundaberg R.C. and M. Slean of Bundaberg R.C. 

In Heat 2 - M. Reynolds of U.Q.B.C. defeated M. Ford of Bundaberg R.C. 

Repechage - J. Pressler defeated M. Ford and M. Slean 

In the final, F. Kert of Commercial R.C. defeated M. Reynolds of U.Q.B.C. by three lengths with a further five lengths to J. Pressler of Bundaberg R.C. 

In the Champion Lightweight Four -

in Heat 1 - Pine Rivers R.C. defeated Bundaberg R.C. and Commercial R.C. 

in Heat 2 - T.H.& C.R.C. defeated U.Q.B.C. and Rockhampton District (du Kamp)

in Heat 3 -Rockhampton District (Burke) defeated Toowong R.C. 

Repechage -Bundaberg defeated Rockhampton District (du Kamp), Toowong and University

In the final Rockhampton District led all the way to win by a canvas to Pine Rivers R.C. with four lengths to T.H.& C.R.C., then Bundaberg R.C.. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - H. Thackeray (B) G. Hansen (2) B. Rawlings (3) M. Burke (S) B. Smith (Cox) and W. Jones (Coach).

In the Champion Eight -

in Heat 1 -GPSOB defeated Toowong R.C. and U.Q.B.C. 

in Heat 2 - Bundaberg R.C. defeated Pine Rivers R.C. and Rockhampton District 

Repechage -Toowong defeated Pine Rivers, University and Rockhampton District

In the final Bundaberg R.C. quickly went to the lead and won by 1 3/4 lengths to Toowong R.C., 1 1/2 lengths to GPSOB&BRC and Pine Rivers R.C. fourth. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - B. Zunker (B) D. Slaughter (2) B. McLean (3) D. Amos (4) A. Zunker (5) G. Lloyd-Jones (6) J. Bigg (7) B. Zunker (S) D. Wilkinson (Cox) and R. Clemence (Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Burnett River rowed later in the afternoon, J. Pressler won the Sculls from M. Slean; Pine Rivers won the Lightweight Four from Bundaberg and Tweed, and in the Eights title Bundaberg defeated Rockhampton District.

All winning crews were selected to represent Queensland in the Interstate Championships. 

The Ladies' Championships were also held in Bundaberg and rowed as straight finals over 1000 metres on Sunday 9th. A new Championship was introduced to the Ladies' programme in the form of a Championship Single Sculls which was won by Mrs.S. Graham of T.H.& C.R.C. by ten lengths to A. Finucan also of T.H.& C.R.C..

In the Ladies' Champion Elite Four-oar, T.H.& C.R.C. defeated Bundaberg R.C. by three lengths with a canvas to Tweed Heads in third place. 

The winning Tweed Heads Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) P. Ward (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach).

In the Ladies' Champion Lightweight Four, T.H.& C.R.C. defeated Bundaberg R.C. by five lengths. 

The winning Tweed Heads Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) K. Crompton (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach).

The Champion Fours regatta was rowed on Milton Reach in Brisbane on April 5, 1969. All races were rowed over 2000 metres. 

In the Champion Under 20 Four, a Church of England Grammar School crew won by four lengths to Toowong R.C. and a further three lengths to Bundaberg R.C.. 

The winning Churchie crew was - D.A. Harrold (B) B.G. Butler (2) R.N. Lovf (3) P.I. Thompson (S) S. Hawgood (Cox) and G. Jones (Coach).

In the Champion Four with Cox, a Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew won by a half length to Pine Rivers R.C. and three lengths to Commercial R.C. in third place. 

The winning Brisbane District (Commercial R.C.) crew was - F. Rhodes (B) R. Daglish (2) R. Butler (3) G. Monk (S) and A. Monk (Cox).

In the Champion Four minus Cox, a Pine Rivers R.C. crew won by four lengths to Commercial R.C. and a further four lengths to GPSOB&BRC in third place. 

The winning Pine Rivers R.C. crew was - G. Sprott (B) K. Wagner (2) M. Sprott (3) P. Robinson (S) and A. Bromiley (Coach).

In the Champion Lightweight Eight, a Toowong R.C. crew won by two lengths to Rockhampton District with a length to U.Q.B.C. in third place. 

The winning Toowong R.C. crew was - D. Reid (B) J. Healey (2) R. Stewart (3) W. Hemming (4) P. Dunn (5) K. Maurer (6) B. Burke (7) P. Gregg (S) S. Odgers (Cox) and M. Dixson (Coach).

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 12, 1969. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, Church of England Grammar School won by 3/4 length from Brisbane State High School, followed by Brisbane Boys' College and Brisbane Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- P.J. Miller (B) C.C. Cox (2) M.D. Kelly (3) D.H. James (4) D.J. Brand (5) D.J. Murray (6) G.F. Cameron (7) E.J. Woolley (S) D.W. Glasson (Cox) and J. Piper (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four - 1500m1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. T.S.S.

Second Four -1. C.E.G.S.2. B.G.S.3. T.S.S.

Third Four - 1000m1. T.S.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Fourth Four - 1. C.E.G.S. & B.G.S.3. B.B.C.

Fifth Four - 750m1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S.3. T.S.S.

Sixth Four - 1. C.E.G.S.2. T.S.S.3. B.S.H.S.

Seventh Four - 1. B.S.H.S.2. B.G.S.3. G.T.

Eighth Four -1. B.S.H.S.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.B.C.

Ninth Four -1. B.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Tenth Four - 1. B.B.C.2. C.E.G.S. & B.G.S.

Eleventh Four -1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. G.T.

The Interstate Championships were rowed on the Burnett River in Bundaberg on April 25 & 26, 1969, all races being over 2000 metres with heats and repechage on Friday 25th and finals on Saturday 26th. The Bundaberg District had done extensive work to ensure a smooth, well run regatta with a moored start for the crews and the regatta went off without a hitch. 

Queensland members of the A.A.R.C. Boat Race Officials' panel who had duties at the regatta were J.M. Dowrie, T.B. Barton, Dr. D. McClymont, R.B. Brown, R. Pilbeam and J.C. Hutchinson.

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls for the President's Cup -

in Heat 1 – R. Free of Tasmania defeated J. Sykes of Victoria and N. Talbot of South Australia 

in Heat 2 - F. Kert of Queensland defeated S. Mackenzie of New South Wales 

Repechage - J. Sykes defeated S. MacKenzie and N. Talbot 

In the final, R. Free of Tasmania won by 3.3 sec. to J. Sykes of Victoria, 2.3 sec. to F. Kert of Queensland in third place and a further 6 sec. to S. MacKenzie of New South Wales. 

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four for the Penrith Cup -

In Heat 1 - New South Wales defeated Tasmania and Queensland - NSW was subsequently removed as winner because of coxswain not making the weight 

In heat 2, South Australia defeated Victoria 

Repechage , Victoria defeated New South Wales and Queensland 

In the final New South Wales won by 1.6 sec. to Tasmania, 5.9 sec. to South Australia in third place, and a further 17 .8 sec. to Victoria. 

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race for the King's Cup -

In heat 1, New South Wales defeated Western Australia and Queensland 

In heat 2, Victoria defeated South Australia and Tasmania 

Repechage, South Australia defeated Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia

In the final, Victoria worked to their pre-race plan and gained the lead by the 500 metres mark and held off a tremendous drive by New South Wales in the final stages to win by 3.4 sec. to New South Wales, 12 sec. to South Australia in third place, and a further 6. 7 sec. to Tasmania. 

The Ladies' Interstate Championships were rowed on the Port River in Adelaide on April 26, 1969, with all races being over 1000 metres. The Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia for the Nell Slatter Trophy was won by Miss J. Adam of New South Wales by six lengths to Miss D. Melville of Victoria. 

The Ladies' Championship Lightweight Four-oar of Australia for the Victoria Cup was won by New South Wales who set a fast pace to defeat Victoria by 3/4 length and a further three lengths to Queensland. The New South Wales crew were 34 seconds faster than the time set in the inaugural race in the previous year. The Queensland Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) K. Crompton (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach). 

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy, the Queensland crew competed after earlier indicating that it would withdraw because three of the crew had taken part in the earlier lightweight race. Victoria recorded their first win in 29 years by defeating New South Wales by 3/4 length with a further five lengths to Queensland in third place. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) S. Graham (2) P. Ward (3) J. Kirchner (S) J. Cowden (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach).

South Australia had no representative crew in any of the title events. 

Despite expectations in previous periods the Queensland Boat Race Officials Association had not taken shape in the 1968/69 season, and regattas were not conducted under any uniform system. 

S. Hinchy obtained his A.A.R.C. Judge/Umpire's License at the examinations held at Bundaberg in conjunction with the King's Cup.

The Premiership was won by Bundaberg R.C. with 204 points to Leichhardt on 104 points. 

The only changes in the office bearers at the 1969 A.G.M. were the elimination of the position of Promotions Officer and the election of Peter Huggett as Assistant Honorary Secretary. R. B. Scott was elected an Honorary Life Member at this meeting. 

1969-70

Reg Free, the winner of the Australian Sculling Championship, was the sole Australian representative at the European Championships in Klagenfurt, Austria, in September, 1969. The Tasmanian Rowing Council raised the necessary finance and R. Free flew to Austria and returned within a period of three weeks. Taking into account that Free lost his scull in training, borrowed one and rowed third in his heat, and was fourth in the semi-final, missing out on a place in the final by 0.88 sec., it was a fairly good effort. 

The Championship Eights regatta was rowed in Maryborough on January 24 & 25, 1970. All races were over 2000 metres with heats and repechage on Saturday 24th and finals on Sunday 25th. 

In the Champion Sculls -

In Heat 1 - R. Bleakley of U.Q.B.C. defeated A. Slean of Bundaberg R.C. and M. Stewart of GPSOB&BRC. 

In heat 2, M. Reynolds of U.Q.B.C. defeated M. Taylor of GPSOB&BRC and M. Slean of Bundaberg R.C.

Repechage - M. Stewart defeated A. Slean and M. Taylor 

In the final M. Reynolds of University defeated R. Bleakley of University by seven lengths with a further 1 1/2 lengths to M. Stewart of GPSOB&BRC. 

In the Champion Lightweight Four -

In heat 1, TH&CRC defeated U.Q.B.C. and Toowong R.C. 

In heat 2, Commercial R.C. defeated Pine Rivers R.C. and Bundaberg R.C. GPSOB&BRC defeated Wide Bay R.C. 

Repechage, Bundaberg defeated University and Pine Rivers 

In the final Commercial R.C. defeated Bundaberg R.C. by 3/4 length with a further three lengths to TH&CRC. 

The winning Commercial R.C. crew was - B. Butler (B) W. Shepherd (2) V. Grayson (3) G. Monk (S) A. Monk (Cox) and L. Barraclough (Coach).

In the Champion Eight -

In heat 1, U.Q.B.C. defeated GPSOB&BRC and Wide Bay R.C. 

In heat 2, Toowong R.C. defeated Bundaberg R.C. and Rockhampton District

Repechage,  Bundaberg defeated GPSOB and Rockhampton District 

In the final Toowong R.C. defeated U.Q.B.C. by 1 1/4 lengths with a further half length to Bundaberg R.C.. The winning Toowong R.C. crew was - R. Stewart (B) J. Varendorf (2) D. Scott (3) P. Benson (4) A. Fanning (5) B. Moroney (6) M. Dixson (7) P. Gregg (S) and P. Cole (Cox and Coach).

In the Champion titles of the Mary River, M. Stewart of GPSOB defeated M. Taylor of GPSOB for the Sculls title; in the Lightweight Four, Pine Rivers won from TH&CRC and GPSOB, and in the Eight GPSOB defeated Bundaberg and Rockhampton District. 

Following these championships, M. Reynolds was confirmed as the representative sculler, and the Commercial Lightweight Four with G. Sprott of Pine Rivers as emergency was also endorsed. A large squad was selected and out of these the following were chosen as the King's Cup crew -

R. Stewart (B-TRC) G. Farrell (2-TRC) A. Levick (3-GPSOB) P. Benson (4-TRC) A. Fanning (5-TRC) B. Moroney (6-TRC) R. Alexander (7-GPSOB) P. Gregg (S-TRC) Reserves D. Scott (TRC) and L. Bertini (GPSOB) with P. Cole as Cox and Coach.

The Ladies' Championships were held at Tweed Heads on March 22, 1970. The Tweed Heads crew was recognised as almost unbeatable in the Ladies' Lightweight Four but Bundaberg were favourites for the Elite Four with a very big crew. 

In the Elite Four with Cox the Tweed Heads crew battled back after being two and a half lengths behind, to take the lead and hold off a fast finishing Bundaberg to win by a canvas. 

The winning crew was - D. Jermanus (B) K. Crompton (2) P. Ward (3) S. Graham (S) Mr.T. Dean (Cox) and Mr.R. Graham (Coach). 

In the Ladies' Single Sculls, Shirley Graham of Tweed Heads was never above three quarter pressure to win by eight lengths. Her opponent was not named. 

In the Ladies' Lightweight Four with Cox the Tweed Heads crew easily defeated the Bundaberg Ladies. The winning crew again was - D. Jermanus (B) K. Crompton (2) P. Ward (3) S. Graham (S) Mr. T. Dean (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach). 

The Champion Fours regatta was held in Rockhampton on March 28, 1970, with all races over 2000 metres. In the Champion Under 20 Four, GPSOB defeated Pine Rivers R.C. by two lengths with Brisbane District in third place. 

The winning GPSOB&BRC crew was - J.W. Young (B) C.J. Footner (2) J. Shramenko (3) J.R. Healey (S) L.O. Cuthbertson (Cox) and E.P. Evers (Coach). 

In the Champion Four with Cox, Bundaberg R.C. defeated Pine Rivers R.C. by five lengths with a further three lengths to Rockhampton District in third place. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - J. Bigg (B) R. Purvis (2) M. Ford (3) G. Lloyd-Jones (S) and P. Axam (Cox).

The Champion Four minus Cox was won by Bundaberg R.C. by two lengths to Pine Rivers R.C. with Rockhampton District in third place. 

The winning Bundaberg R.C. crew was - J. Bigg (B) R. Purvis (2) M. Ford (3) and G. Lloyd-Jones (S). 

In the Champion Lightweight Eight, Rockhampton District won a desperate finish to defeat U.Q.B.C. by half a length. 

The winning Rockhampton District (Leichhardt R.C.) crew was - D. Cuddy (B) S. Tummon (2) G. Walls (3) B. Rawlings (4) H. Thackeray (5) M. Burke (6) J. Hoare (7) M. du Kamp (S) and J. Bretz (Cox).

A new event was added to the Champion Fours programme at this regatta - a Champion Lightweight Single Sculls over 2000 metres. The race was won by R. Bleakley of U.Q.B.C. by six lengths to M. Taylor of GPSOB. 

In the Champion titles of the Fitzroy River, GPSOB defeated Pine Rivers in the Under 20 Four; in the Four with Cox, Bundaberg defeated Pine Rivers; in the Four minus Cox, Pine Rivers defeated Rockhampton District and Bundaberg; in the Lightweight Eight, U.Q.B.C. defeated Rockhampton District and in the Lightweight Sculls, R. Bleakley won on a row-over. 

The Interstate Championships were rowed on Lake Wendouree in Ballarat on April 3 & 4, 1970. All races were over 2000 metres and rowed in heats and repechage on Friday 3rd and finals on Saturday 4th. 

In the Interstate Championship Single Sculls for the President's Cup -

in Heat 1 - R. Reddel of New South Wales defeated R. Fitch of Victoria and M. Reynolds of Queensland 

Heat 2 - R. Free of Tasmania defeated N. Talbot of South Australia 

Repechage - N. Talbot defeated M. Reynolds and R. Fitch 

In the final R. Free of Tasmania defeated N. Talbot of South Australia by 6.2 sec., a further 16.8 sec. to R. Reddel of New South Wales and M. Reynolds of Queensland in fourth place.

In the Interstate Championship Lightweight Four for the Penrith Cup 

In heat 1, Victoria defeated Queensland 

In heat 2, South Australia defeated Western Australia 

In heat 3, New South Wales defeated Tasmania 

Repechage, Western Australia defeated Tasmania and Queensland

In the final, South Australia held off a desperate finish by New South Wales to win by 2.8 sec. to New South Wales and a further 16.8 sec. to Victoria and Western Australia who dead-heated for third place.

In the Interstate Championship Eight-oared Race for the King's Cup -

In heat 1, Victoria defeated W estem Australia 

In heat 2, Tasmania defeated New South Wales 

In heat 3, South Australia defeated Queensland 

Repechage, New South Wales defeated Western Australia and Queensland

In the final, South Australia led the other three crews and surprised rowing critics with their smooth rowing and powerful bladework. Victoria was vainly trying to make up ground and drag the leaders back, and at the 1000 metres mark a foot separated the first three crews, with Tasmania in front from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. With 300 metres to go, South Australia had its bow in front but, in a desperate finish, Victoria got up on the line to win by 0.7 sec. to South Australia, 0.6 sec. to Tasmania and 8 sec. to New South Wales in fourth place. 

The G.P.S. Head of the River Regatta was rowed on Milton Reach on April 4, 1970. In the First Eight over 2000 metres for the Head of the River, The Southport School won by 4.7 sec. to Brisbane State High School, then Brisbane Boys' College, Brisbane Grammar School, St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace and Church of England Grammar School. 

The winning crew was:- W.L. Wilson (B) S.W. Wardrope (2) M.A. Brookes (3) G.G. Shambrook (4) F.C. Barrett (5) J.J. Warby (6) B.G. Westcott (7) J.H. McCubbery (S) P. Lever (Cox) and B. Robinson (Coach).

The results of the fours races were:-

First Four - 1500m1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.G.S.

Second Four -1. C.E.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. B.B.C.

Third Four - 1000m1. G.T.2. C.E.G.S.3. B.G.S.

Fourth Four -1. B.B.C.2. B.S.H.S.3. C.E.G.S.

Fifth Four - 750m1. C.E.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. T.S.S.

Sixth Four - 1. C.E.G.S.2. T.S.S.3. B.B.C.

Seventh Four - 1. C.E.G.S.2. B.S.H.S.3. T.S.S.

Eighth Four -1. B.S.H.S.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S.

Ninth Four -1. B.S.H.S.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S.

Tenth Four - 1. C.E.G.S.2. B.B.C.3. B.S.H.S

Eleventh Four -1. B.S.H.S.2. B.B.C.3. C.E.G.S.

The Ladies' Interstate Championships were held on the Milton Reach in Brisbane on May 9, 1970, all races being over 1000 metres. 

In the Ladies' Championship Lightweight Four-oar of Australia for the Victoria Cup, Victoria won a hard fought race by a length to New South Wales and a further 3/4 length to Queensland. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) K. Crompton (2) P. Ward (3) S. Graham (S) Mr. T. Dean (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach). 

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Single Sculls of Australia for the Nell Slatter Trophy, Miss J. Adam of New South Wales held off strong finishes by Victoria and Queensland to win by 1 1/2 lengths to Victoria with a canvas to Queensland. 

The Queensland sculler was Mrs. S. Graham. 

In the Ladies' Championship Elite Four-oar of Australia for the U.L.V.A. Trophy, New South Wales defeated Victoria by three lengths with Queensland in third place, a further five lengths back, after following the bank instead of steering a straight course. Observers estimated that they rowed an extra 200 metres to cover the course. 

The Queensland Ladies were Misses D. Jermanus (B) K. Crompton (2) P. Ward (3) S. Graham (S) Mr.T. Dean (Cox) and Mr. R. Graham (Coach). 

It was obvious that the four-oared crew and the sculler were asked to do the impossible particularly in the Elite Four against women who were much physically bigger and stronger. 

The National Regatta was held on the Nepean River at Penrith on May 8/9, 1970. Crews from New Zealand Colts and a crew from the Phillipines competed. University entered in the Lightweight Eight and Leichhardt in the Pair with Cox but neither were placed. 

The winning clubs were;-

Four with Cox - Buckingham, Tas. 

Lightweight Single Sculls - C. Bullard, Haberfield 

Junior Eight (2nd grade) - Joondalup, WA 

Pair without Cox - Corio Bay 

Lightweight Four without Cox - Haberfield No. 1 

Schoolboy Four - Ballarat College 

Four without Cox - Mosman

Lightweight Pair without Cox - Haberfield No. 3 

Pair with Cox - Corio Bay

Junior Four (2nd grade) - Balmain

Double Sculls - Haberfield/Colleagues 

Junior Sculls (2nd grade) - I. Lee - Glebe

Lightweight Eight - Sydney

Schoolboy Eight - Melbourne HS

Bi-Centennial Single Sculls - N. Talbot - SA

Bi-Centennial Eight - New Zealand Colts

The A.A.RC. Grading and Selection Committee selected the following crews to represent Australia in the World Championships at St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada, to be rowed September 1/6, 1970. 

Eight - R. Elleway (B-SA), W. Hume (2-SA), K. Jelbart (3-VIC), M. Morgan (4-NSW), Paul Guest (5-VIC), D. Douglas (6-VIC), S. Gillon (7-VIC), G. Boykett (S-VIC), G. Godkin (Cox-VIC), D. Boykett (Coach-VIC)

Pair without Cox - G. Xouris (B), J. Watt (S) - both VIC

Four with Cox - V. Gibson (B), R. Free (2), T. McKay (3), R. Manton (S), D. Rattray (Cox), B. Palmer (Coach) - all TAS

Pair Oar with Cox (Emergencies for Australian Team) J. Shanasy (B-VIC), C. King (S-TAS), G.Godkin (Cox-VIC)

Team Manager - Noel Wilkinson

On May 16, 1970, the GPSOB & BRC rowing shed was destroyed by fire including all the boats and equipment, except for two old regulation fours which were stored in Commercial R.C. shed awaiting repairs by S. Tantner. The club was then housed in Emmanuel College boathouse while they searched for a new site, their old shed being in the path of the proposed Riverside Expressway. After the 1974 flood which swept away the Emmanuel College shed, they were permitted by the Brisbane City Council to use an old house at West End near the Toowong ferry crossing, and their new shed was completed in April/May, 1977, at West End near the South Brisbane Sailing Club. The long delay was caused by the inability of the council to decide on permission for proposed sites. 

Bundaberg R.C. again won the Premiership with 152 points to University on 121 points. 

The 1969/70 season again was one of failures. The five year plan had not been supported, apathy was the key word, and Dick Scott resigned at the 1970 A.G.M. realising that his dream could not be accomplished. The Boat Race Officials Association still had not got themselves organised. In keeping with this scene the Honorary Secretary wrote a very brief annual report. Jim Dowrie was elected Chairman to replace Dick Scott and this was the only change in the office bearers at the 1970 A.G.M.. 

In the World Rowing Championships in Canada the Australian eight finished fifth, 6 seconds behind West Germany. The Four with Cox was eliminated in the repechage and in world rankings finished thirteenth. The pair without Cox was fourth in their semi-final and in world rankings finished eighth. The Pair with Cox was sixth in their semi-final and finished twelfth in the rankings.

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