Emma Pritchard

There was plenty of sunshine and perfect conditions across the Clarence River on June 2 when more than 70 entrants took part in the Two Islands Rowathon.

Hosted by the Grafton Rowing Club in support of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, the annual event is continuing to grow in popularity with participants journeying from Brisbane, Murwillumbah, Iluka, Armidale, and Sydney to take part in the local fundraiser this year.

Members of the Grafton Dragon Boat Club also took to the water with entrants completing their choice of a 10km course around Susan Island or a 20km course around Susan Island and Elizabeth Island during the morning.

Both courses finished back at the Grafton Rowing Club.

After completing the 10km course around Susan Island, Queensland visitor Jon Tannerhill from the Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club, who first rowed on the Clarence River in 2010 and describes it as one of his favourite rowing destinations in Australia, told the Clarence Valley Independent returning to Grafton for the Two Islands Rowathon was quite a special occasion for him.

“This was my first time rowing in the event, but its definitely an event I’m going to encourage my club to come down to Grafton for next year,” he said.

“There’s an excellent vibe (here), and what I love about the Grafton Rowing Club is how friendly everyone is, and they make you feel part of the greater rowing community.

“Today was absolutely beautiful, the sun was out, and the water was perfectly flat.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Mr Tannerhill completed the Two Islands Rowathon in his recently restored vintage 1970s Sargent and Burton single scull which attracted plenty of admiration over the weekend.

Along with hosting the Two Islands Rowathon, the Grafton Rowing Club also welcomed visitors to a wooden boat display between May 31 and June 2.

Boating enthusiasts also had the opportunity to go for a row on the Clarence River in Helga, a replica Viking vessel.

Members of the Grafton Rowing Club later told the Clarence Valley Independent they were very happy to receive so much support for the events over the weekend.

At the time of publication, the total amount raised from the Two Islands Rowathon was still being counted.

Rowers from Balmain Rowing Club were the fastest to complete the 10km course around Susan Island, returning to the shoreline in 31 minutes, while a double scull crew from Murwillumbah completed the 20km course around Susan Island and Elizabeth Island in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

When asked if he would be returning to Grafton for the Two Islands Rowathon in 2025, Mr Tannerhill said he would “absolutely be back”, adding he would ensure other rowers and wooden boat enthusiasts are also aware of the event.

“It’s for a great cause, and I’m sure there is going to be a lot of interest in the event next year,” he said.