Grafton Rowing Club has conducted its annual Rowathon in aid of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The Rowathon from Copmanhurst to Grafton, is a distance of 40 kilometres. Competitors can elect to row either the whole distance, or in as many 10 kilometre sections as they wish. A total of 62 rowers from six rowing clubs competed in the event, with all rowers completing their chosen distance. The earlier start with little or no wind, clement weather and an ebbing tide made for good times. Although not a race, Rick Kranen from Murwillumbah was first home in a single, having rowed the full 40 kilometres in a time of three hours. Unfortunately his time was three minutes slower than his previous best, so we expect to see him back again next year to try and beat this time. It was particularly pleasing to see students from Grafton, South Grafton and Maclean high schools entered in the event. Gemma Dane from Lower Clarence and Josh Rose from Lismore both rowed the whole distance in singles to register good times of three hours, 26 minutes and three hours, 15 minutes respectively. Marion White