ARC Update - 9th September 2026
In This ARC Update:
President's TED Talk
Two weeks feels like a long time at ARC - there is always so much happening!
2026 World Championships
We were fortunate to be able to watch Oscar, Ella, Sam, Alex and Angus compete at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. Simply reaching a World Championship is the culmination of years of commitment, sacrifice and hard work, so to have five members representing both Australia is an outstanding achievement for each athlete and a wonderful reflection of our Club.
It was a little surreal to hear Martin Cross on the World Rowing livestream speak so glowingly about "Hilly and Daws from Adelaide Rowing Club" during the Men's Coxless Pair final, as Alex and Angus lined up against the defending World Champions on one of the sport's biggest stages. A World Championship silver medal for an all-ARC boat is a moment that will rank amongst the very best achievements in our club's history. Then, just 15 minutes later, Sam delivered another memorable performance, claiming back-to-back World Championship bronze medals in the PR3 Mixed Double. It was a brilliant result and a fitting finish for another great campaign -
But medals and final rankings only tell part of the story. The new progression system, without repechages, is unforgiving and leaves little margin for changes in conditions or one-off performances. Unfortunately, the Women's Eight found themselves on the wrong side of that equation this year - but while the result was not what they were looking for, it shouldn't diminish what was otherwise an exceptional campaign by Ella and her crewmates. Similarly, for Oscar, the Men's Double is an exceptionally competitive event - when the Sinkovic brothers miss the A-final, you know it's a stacked field!
A quick shout-out to ARC's roving European correspondents, Izzy Lease and Lucy Seppelt, who kept us connected to the action and captured some fantastic photos from the Bosbaan.
Ella & Sasha are China-bound
This week sees ARCs Ella McKay & Sasha Humble venture overseas as part of the Adelaide University team competing at the Sino Collegiate Australian Rowing Challenge in Nanjing, China. What an amazing experience to be a part of - have fun & good luck!
Congratulations to our newest Honorary Life Members
At our recent AGM, the Members voted to appoint Donna Webb and Chris Greening as Honorary Life Members - our highest honour, which is so thoroughly deserved by both Chris & Donna! Congratulations and thank you!
Insurance Savings Deliver a Significant Win for the ARC Budget
Off the water, I'm pleased to share a significant win for the Club in reducing our insurance costs. Admittedly, insurance is hardly the most exciting topic, but this result is worth sharing & celebrating.
As many members will have heard me lament, our insurance costs are substantial. Nearly 30% of your annual membership fees go towards insuring our fleet, trailer and Torrens Boatshed. This does not include insurance associated with West Lakes, which is addressed through lease outgoings paid to RowingSA, or the personal insurance coverage which is forms part of your RowingSA registration.
Over the past two months, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our insurance arrangements, seeking alternative quotations and comparing cover across multiple brokers. For an equivalent level of coverage, we were able to secure a 40% reduction in premiums compared to the incumbent, while also achieving better policy terms and lower excesses.
Having already achieved such substantial savings, we took the decision to commission an updated valuation of the Torrens Boatshed, which indicated that the building may have been underinsured relative to its current replacement value. So we reapplied use some of those premium savings to increase the level of cover on the building. So, despite significantly improving our protection, the Club will still save approximately $8,000 per year in insurance premiums.
This is a meaningful financial outcome for the Club by reducing premium costs immediately, while providing a higher level of fit-for-purpose coverage. Members can have piece-of-mind that our facilities and assets are appropriately protected - it goes to show that the effort to shop around really can pay off!
Planning for Season 2026-27
The new Committee has had its first meeting and there is already so much on the go!
Coaching development and plans for a Club technical model
Logistics for upcoming regional and interstate regattas - Mannum, Murray Bridge, HOY, Riverland & Nationals in WA
Building project status - expect some news soon - we will need your help on multiple fronts
Regatta volunteering roster system (for competitive members)
Social events - check the ARC Calendar for dates
Let's keep at it ARC!
Mitch
Thank You's
A quick acknowledgement of some terrific contributions over recent weeks:
Damian Carlson filled the ARC volunteer commitment for Time Trial #2
Tim Santin pulled a 14 hour day last Saturday to work back-to-back functions, as well as making all the arrangement to host the Crows Central event on the lawn in front of the shed.
Alex Silz & the Building Subcommittee for progress on the renovation project - it is so close to go.
Pete Davison - fixing a stubbornly-loose ErgBike pedal, small efforts make a difference
A pre-emptive thanks to Dick Turnbull who has generously offered to replace the windows along the Eastern wall of the clubrooms over the next few months!
Adam Salleh - arranging the insuranc evaluation of the Torrne Boatshed
Erica, Mieka & Claire as well as everyone who has helped with moving boats between the sheds - loading, unloading, towing, re-arranging - a team effort!
ARC Committee elected for 2026-27
Please congratulate the following Members who were elected (or 'voluntold'...) as the ARC Committee for Season 2026-27:
President | Mitch Oliver |
Captain | Mieka Webb |
Vice-Captain | Claire Rogers, [vacant] |
Secretary | [vacant] |
Treasurer | Bryn Coudraye |
General Committee Members | Erica Webb, Josh Lasscock, Daren Potts, Sam Williams, Tim Santin, [vacant x2] |
Vacant positions may be filled as casual vacancies appointed by the Committee. In particular, we are looking for people with the following skills & interests:
Please reach out to a Committee Member if you are interested in helping in these areas. | |
Torrens Lake - OPEN but use CAUTION
The Torrens is open for use again after a few weeks of closure. That said, there is still quite a bit of debris in the water which moves up and down the lake, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Please take care and use judgement about whether to go out on the water or not.
After several requests, we are appreciative to see that Council are getting onto the clean-up and will be out on the water this week:
"Further to my email this morning please see below additional information regarding upcoming works.
Phase 1:
Wednesday 9 September – the first contractor will commence removing the floating litter and debris from the lake, with a focus around the Weir to upstream. This will be a manual process
Friday 11 September – the second contractor will mobilise a floating conveyor into the river. We have used this specific piece of equipment successfully in the Torrens previously.
Monday 14 September – the second contractor will commence skimming over the lake – increasing the contractual support
Next steps
Whilst this early work continues, we will continue to develop a second phase of works, consisting of more substantial site set up and logistics. We will also need to prepare and apply for the relevant permissions of the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environment and Water. Future updates will provide additional information as it becomes available."
"Just confirming, from the email I sent on Friday, that a weed harvester (image attached) will be in operation next week starting Monday 14 September to assist in clearing the excess debris from the river. The works are expected to take up to two weeks, and the harvester will run Monday to Friday.
Bins and the harvester (when not in use) will be stored opposite Jolly's Boathouse. Rowing activities can still take place whilst the machine is operating."
R U OK? Day for Thursday Night Socials
Head of the Murray for the Phil Mangelsdorf Trophy
SAVE THE DATE - Opening Day Sunday 18th October
DATE CHANGE - ARC Quiz Night, Saturday 21st November
2026 Head of the Yarra is Calling
Great to see our Head of the Yarra squads forming up - there are only a seat or two left in each of our Men's and Women's boats! If you're keen for a great racing weekend at Australia's premier head race, please get in touch with Mieka, Claire or Sam Williams.
How to Manage your ARC Membership & Rowing Registration
If you need to adjust your rego before a specific regatta, please don't leave it to the last minute; get it sorted ~5 days before entries close (I.e. by the Wed night before entries close on a Monday am).
If you have an enquiry or need to upgrade your ARC Membership or RowingSA registration, please email membership@adelaiderowingclub.com.au
All renewals, including half-year renewals, are managed through the online form HERE.
Private rack hire - a few members have overlooked this and are outstanding - please action via Private Boat Storage Agreement Form by the end of this month.
News from RowingSA
Nominations open for RowingSA Board Members
Form below - close midnight Monday 14th September
Nominations open for 2027 State Team Selection Panel
Closes 9am Monday14th September
RowingSA Coaches Conference - Saturday 19 September
As a Member Club of RowingSA, these documents apply to ARC and its Members. Please ensure you are familiar with them to the level you require.
Participant Safety Requirements
Changes to the 2026 Riverland Regatta
2026 State Team Review - Public Statement