25th November saw a return of the eights to the Yarra after 4 successive years of interruption by Covid and weather events. Some 240 eights converged on the banks of the Yarra with many taking the opportunity of a practice row on day before the race.
ARC men’s and women’s crews were no exception. A last-minute substitution was needed in the women’s crew when Judy unfortunately tested positive to Covid on Friday am. Kim Lloyd Jones gallantly stepped into the breach enabling the women’s crew to complete a practice row and then race the next day. Ami provided expert coxing for the women throughout, with the only upsets being a broken stay early in the race and a blatant overtake by a crew on a no passing corner, sending “Sydney Womens” into the far bank, requiring some inelegant backing out of branches .
ARC's men’s crew, who came to Melbourne without a coxswain, were rescued by Coach Charles who used his long term Yarra experience to steer a smooth course.
Combined with the atmosphere, stalls lining the banks of the Yarra, and a club dinner, it was a a good weekend for both novice and veteran Yarra rowers.
