Grafton Rowing Club last Sunday week conducted its annual Copmanhurst to Grafton Rowathon, a distance of 40 kilometres in aid of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. A total of 41 entrants competed, coming from: Port Macquarie, Lower Clarence, Coomera, Griffith University, Murwillumbah, Grafton and South Grafton High School rowing clubs, together with two kayakers from Yamba. The course was divided into a 10k section, then 20k then a final 10k from the Ski Lodge at Seelands, with members able to elect to row either 10k, 20k or the whole 40k course. Crews set out at dawn from Copmanhurst, with a light fog drifting across the water. The fog lifted to reveal perfect sunny conditions, with beautiful smooth water for the rest of the course. Although not a race, but intended as a fun row, the outgoing tide made for fast times. First home was Rick Kranen from Coomera Rowing Club, who rowed a single scull the whole course in a time of 3 hours, 3 minutes. In second place was David Hamilton from Griffith University, who also rowed a single scull in a time of 3 hours, 24 minutes. First quad home was the Port Macquarie Rowing Club stroked by former Grafton rower Brian Glawson in 3 hours, 30 minutes. South Grafton High School student Braden Cooper completed the whole course in a single scull in 3 hours, 46 minutes. Grafton Rowing Club’s quad scull stroked by Don Noble finished in 3 hours, 58 minutes. Murwillumbah’s John Ryan completed the distance in a single scull in 4 hours, 3 minutes. South Grafton High School rower Kiara Hankinson completed the course in a single scull in 4 hours, 12 minutes. Lower Clarence’s quad scull team of junior rowers completed the course in 4 hours, 12 minutes. The South Grafton High School’s team of Lex Bagster and Scott Rose, rowing the whole course in a double scull arrived home in 4 hours, 13 minutes. Grafton Rowing Club’s quad scull crew stroked by Peter Mears completed the course, but unfortunately no time was taken. This event could not have been run, without the assistance of safety boat crews, also the starter and timer. Greatly appreciated at the end of the row, was the barbecue, sandwiches and cakes provided by Daphne Maughan and her helpers. Last, but not least, our thanks go to Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge at Seelands for their generous use of the park’s facilities. Marion White