The opening regattas of the 2026 rowing season provided a valuable opportunity for Damascus College students to challenge themselves, support one another and represent the College with pride. Across both senior and junior events, our crews demonstrated determination, resilience and a strong sense of community, on and off the water.

These early-season performances reflect the way our students are encouraged to grow through shared experience, to strive for personal excellence and to support one another in pursuit of a common goal. We congratulate all students and staff involved and look forward to the season ahead.

The following reports have been prepared by our Rowing Captains, Olivia Radisich, Catherine Coad and Declan Newman, and offer a thoughtful reflection on the opening events of the season.

2026 JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta

Over the weekend, all senior rowers took part in the 2026 JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta, held at Lake Wendouree from Saturday 31 January to Sunday 1 February.

Racing began strongly on Saturday, with Edda Weitzke and Duke Pilmore both competing in their breakout races in the single scull. The Senior Boys Double, Senior Girls Division 1 Coxed Four, and Senior Boys Division 1 Coxed Four all delivered solid performances. A particularly impressive result came from the Senior Boys Division 1 Four, who secured third place behind Ballarat Grammar and Clarendon College in a tough Under 21 Male Coxed Four race.

The squad faced challenging conditions later in the day, with strong wind gusts and mid-race rain testing crews across multiple events. Despite this, the rowers showed great determination and resilience, finishing the day feeling accomplished and proud of their efforts.

On Sunday, the Senior Division 1 crews combined to compete in the Mixed Eight event. The crew delivered a dominant performance, taking out the race with a convincing victory.

Overall, it was a productive weekend of racing, with all crews performing to the best of their abilities. The squad now looks ahead to the coming weeks of training and racing in the lead-up to the BAS Head of the Lake on 22 February.

RV Schoolgirls Morongo Regatta

Saturday 31 January 2026, Barwon River

Damascus College’s Junior and Intermediate girls crews delivered a strong and determined day of racing at the RV Schoolgirls Morongo Regatta on the Barwon River, demonstrating excellent teamwork across all events.

The Junior Girls Division 1 Coxed Quad Scu

ll produced one of the standout performances of the regatta, winning their heat to progress to the A Final. Racing hard in a highly competitive field, they finished a commendable fourth overall. The Junior Girls Division 2 Coxed Quad Scull also put together an impressive series of races, placing second in their heat to progress to the B Final, where they rowed with control and determination to secure second place.

In the Intermediate Girls Division 1 Coxed Quad Scull, the crew placed second in their heat and advanced to the B Final. Maintaining a smooth rhythm and strong cohesion, they finished fourth in a solid performance. The Intermediate Girls Division 2 Coxed Quad Scull showed great persistence throughout the day. After finishing third in their heat, they progressed to the C Final, where they contested a very close race, with just one second separating first and second place. In a tight sprint to the line, they secured an impressive second place finish.

Overall, the regatta was a positive outing for Damascus College, with all crews demonstrating resilience, teamwork and encouraging early-season form.