Highlights in this final
- Dec 22, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 1
A Year of Reflection and Accomplishments
As we approach the end of 2025, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared this year. The Adelaide Rowing Club (ARC) has witnessed extraordinary achievements on the water, showcasing the talents and dedication of our members.
President's Wrap-up of 2025
This year has been nothing short of spectacular for ARC members. We have celebrated numerous accomplishments across all levels:
ARC proudly placed 3rd on the medal tally at the 2025 Australian Rowing Championships. The results were so impressive that it is difficult to highlight them all individually!
We experienced our best-ever season for Australian representation, with 9 ARC members selected to don the green and gold.
Oscar McGuinness claimed the prestigious President’s Cup for South Australia.
Sam Stunell enjoyed a breakthrough international season in para-rowing, earning World Championship title.
Alex Hill & Angus Dawson propelled the Australian Men’s Eight to victory at the Henley Royal Regatta.
We celebrated wins at the 2025 U22 Oceania Championships for Jono McKay (LM1x & M8+) and Igor Zarubin (M8+).
Andrew Tidemann achieved remarkable success with 4 gold medals and a bronze at the Australian Master's Rowing Championships. Meanwhile, Daren Potts coached the SA Master's Women's Eight to a 3rd consecutive Interstate victory.
Our State Team representation was strong across the board.
Off the water, we maintained our momentum with initiatives aimed at growing and strengthening our Club:
We launched our new Club values: Ambition, Respect & Camaraderie.
Our two-year plan, Our Club, Our Plan for 2025-2027, was published.
We initiated the Under 21 Development Squad, coached by Simon Lane & Tom Merrigan.
Our social media presence on Facebook and Instagram was rejuvenated and consolidated.
We upgraded our website and back-office IT systems.
The Club Constitution was overhauled, and our Club policies were refreshed.
Planning for the Torrens Clubrooms Upgrade project commenced.
We rationalised and refreshed our merchandise offering.
If I had to choose a personal highlight from this year, it would undoubtedly be the re-activation of Thursday Night Social Rowing in recent weeks. There is nothing quite like witnessing our members enjoying our beloved sport together!
I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member who contributed in any capacity to make ARC such a vibrant and cherished institution in 2025. A special acknowledgment goes to our volunteers—your passion and dedication are the lifeblood of this Club. I also express my gratitude to the Committee for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.
Looking Ahead to 2026
I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead, and I encourage you to share in this anticipation! Our top priorities for 2026 include:
Resuming the ARC Learn to Row program.
Delivering the Torrens Clubroom Upgrade project.
By prioritising these goals with unwavering focus, we will unlock our Club’s true potential. It is easy to articulate these aspirations, yet the path to achievement is often fraught with challenges. Nothing worthwhile comes without effort, dedication, and sacrifice. Challenges will always test us, but if we keep our shared vision and values at the forefront, we will succeed together.
Our Vision is to be recognised as the premier rowing club in South Australia concerning participation, competition, and culture.
We will achieve our Vision by remaining true to our Values of Ambition, Respect, and Camaraderie.
Congratulations to all ARC members for your achievements in 2025. Here’s to a promising 2026! Let us continue to pull together—both on and off the water—with ambition, respect, and camaraderie at the heart of everything we do.
Mitch
124th Christmas Morning Reunion
We warmly invite all members, friends, and family to join us for the traditional ARC Christmas Morning Reunion at 10 am on Christmas Day at the ARC Torrens clubrooms.
This cherished and unbroken tradition has united our community for 124 years. It is a brief yet joyful gathering before we embark on our other Christmas festivities. Come along with family and friends to share in carol singing, laughter, and camaraderie. Everyone is welcome.
ARC Members Selected as 2026 SA State Team Coaches
Congratulations to the following ARC members who have been selected to coach SA crews at the 2026 Interstate Regatta at Lake Barrington, TAS:
Daren Potts & Ron Mobbs - Co-Coaches, Women’s Eight
Tom Merrigan - Assistant Coach, Men’s Youth Eight
Nominations Extended for ARC Crews for 2026 State Champs
Nominations are now open for members wishing to be considered for selection into ARC 1st Grade crews to compete at the 2026 SA State Championships, scheduled for 6th - 8th February 2026.
Mandatory selection events are as follows:
December 2km Ergo Test
Complete between Mon 8th Dec to Wed 24th Dec.
You may use results from state/national team trials.
Must be witnessed by another ARC member, with a photo of the ergo screen sent to the selectors at selectors@adelaiderowingclub.com.au.
West Lakes Regatta
Saturday 17th January.
Must compete in at least one small boat (1x or 2-) and one big boat (2x, 4-, 4+, 4x, 8+) race over 2000m (open or underage).
Pre-selected athletes are exempt from this requirement.
Crews (including any named reserves) will be announced as soon as possible following the January 17th regatta, and no later than Friday 23rd January. Selected crews (excluding interstate-based athletes) are expected to train once a week in the lead-up to the regatta. Final crews (including interstate-based athletes) must be available to train and set up boats for racing on the afternoon of Friday 6th February at West Lakes.
The ARC Selection Policy will be applied and is available here. For any queries, please contact the ARC Selection Panel Chair, Trent Collins, via selectors@adelaiderowingclub.com.au.
Half-Year Renewals Open
Half-year renewals are now open and are due by 1 January. Relevant members have been emailed separately. Please action your renewal early to avoid inconvenience. For members planning to race, ensure you complete your renewal well before the close of entries:
17 Jan West Lakes Regatta - renewal cut-off is Wed 7 Jan.
First Grade State Champs - renewal cut-off is Wed 28 Jan.
Trial Changes to Semi-Active Membership
As a trial for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, we are offering Thursday Night Social Rowing on the Torrens to our Semi-Active members.
Instead of being limited to the use of the ARC gym and ergs, Semi-Active members can now enjoy rowing on Thursday nights! When combined with a half-year membership until 30 June 2026, this equates to just $10 per week for a weekly Thursday night row—how fantastic is that!
There has never been a better (or more affordable) opportunity to re-engage with casual rowing on the Torrens. This offer is not just for existing members—spread the word, reach out to a friend, and join in together!
Advance Notice - New Fobs Inbound
In the New Year, all eligible ARC members will receive new, uniquely-coded access fobs for the Torrens shed.
If you are eligible, you will be issued a new fob (bright green or royal blue) between now and 31 January at no cost. Collection will occur on a Thursday night. Please note that fobs will not be sent by post; they will only be issued through in-person collection.
All existing fobs (grey or blue) issued before December 2025 will be deactivated and will cease to function on 31 January.
ARC Members Facebook Groups & Squad Chats
Are you keeping up with the latest happenings at ARC?
Check out the invite links below to ensure you are informed about who is doing what at ARC!
