Rowing club enters first race

Brisbane Water Rowing Club officially began its competitive life on Sunday, July 6.

The club entered one women's crew and two individual events in the UTS-Haberfield Novice Regatta.

Participants and supporters travelled to Haberfield in Sydney on a fine sunny day in perfect conditions for competing and viewing.

The women's crew, of Melissa Morris, Monica Copeland, Jody Mackay, Margaret Cullen, and Debbie Walters as coxswain, rowed well in their first race in a quad scull.

A late replacement was needed after one of the crew was injured in a basketball accident a few days before the race.

The crew finished within the field, doing themselves, the club and the Central Coast proud in their first outing.

Their coach, David Cullen, feels they will improve with further training, better equipment and when more experienced they will not need to carry the extra weight of a coxswain in a coxless event.

Kevin Hughes also competed in his maiden race (single scull) and finished within the field.

Kevin started well in this large field and after having to stop when another sculler converged into his path, he managed to regain speed and kept up to the pack.

David Cullen said: "With confidence and exposure to more racing, he will settle better and be able to concentrate on technique.

"He shows great potential for the future."

David Cullen was also competitive in the open event.

David faced a large field of contestants entering this race but once a clean start was achieved, he was able to stay in front of the pack due to his excellent technique and relentless training.

The club is enthusiastic to compete in the next regatta and is anticipating more crews entering.

Liam Cullen, July 11