Published on: 1 November 2013


The Christ Church rowing community came together on Sunday for the first event of the season – the annual House Rowing Regatta. The fun, family-oriented event gave boys their first taste of racing for Term 4 while recognising the contributions of others.

Headmaster Garth Wynne announced Michael McKenzie as the 2013/14 Captain of Boats; along with Vice-Captains Jonathan Knight and David Latham; and committeemen James McQuillan, Max Montanari and Ben Nagappa. John Welborn remains President of the Don Fraser Club for the 2013/14 season.

At the conclusion of the regatta, Director of Rowing Steve Saunders recognised the contribution of Laurie Anderson, who celebrates his 15th year of coaching at Christ Church this term. Mr Saunders said the former State and Australian representative had been an incredible coach and mentor to his crews.

“Over the years, Laurie has coached seven First Eights, including four Head of the River champions; five Second Eight crews, three of whom won; and two Year 10A Eights,” Mr Saunders said. “Laurie, together with Simon Cox and Dr Holly Rose, has been the backbone of the club.”

Mr Saunders said a new quad was named after John Holt (Class of 2005), who stroked a winning First Eight and coached rowing at Christ Church for four years. John’s father Michael (Class of 1973) also rowed for Christ Church and his mother Anne served on the School Council.

The boys’ first competitive event will be the Guildford Regatta on Saturday 9 November.

Photographs courtesy of The Photography Club