Lynne Mowbray The Head of the Clarence River Rowing Regatta was held on the Clarence River at Grafton on Saturday. The ‘schools only’ regatta has been running for 17 years and draws competitors from as far away as New Zealand. President of the organising committee Neville Doughan said that numbers were down at this year’s event. “Unfortunately, because of the timing of school holidays this year it has affected many of the schools who normally attend,” Mr Doughan said. “This event is the smallest in about 12 years, with only about 580 racing seats. “It’s just bad timing this year,” he said.

Jade Mansell and Katherine Plume of the Gold Coast’s Somerset College competed in the Championship Schoolgirl 2000m Pair event. Images: Lynne Mowbray

Henry Doe from Brisbane Boys competed in the Schoolboy Under 15 Single Scull event.

 

Saturday’s number 1 umpire, committee member and Life Member of the Grafton Rowing Club, Ken Maughan OAM waits for the start of the next race.

 

Holly Baker and Sarah Abrams from Hunter Valley Grammar school competed in the Schoolgirl under 15 Double Scull event.

Harry Nott from Centenary Rowing Club, Brisbane waits for the start of his race.