Hi all,

World Masters is over (whew), and it's now time to turn our (overdue)
attention to the next big thing, Head of the Yarra.

At this stage, the club with over 80 athletes on the books, the club
will be boating 6 eights (we should be able to obtain the extra shell
from MHS).  So that is 48 seats maximum - competition will be hot.

Final crew composition will depend on who puts up their hand to have a
go, but loosely, we are looking at the following...

Women
1 or 2 eights, either B and/or C grade
(outside chance at masters A grade for one crew)

Men
1 x open crew
1 x B/C crew
2 x masters crews, probably C/D and E/F

Depending on numbers/make-up of women's crews, we may have the option
of a mixed crew.

* Boat allocation will be based on the chance each crew has of making
an impact in their division.  So yes, one crew will be using the
O'Dowd, our venerable wooden eight.  It's a fact, get used to it and
don't complain if you happen to draw it - remember, you can always sit
on the bank.

Selection is always difficult, so to help sort out the genuine from
the pretenders, you guessed it, ergo time!

* The scenario is a 20min test to be completed by Sunday 1st of
November.  That is only 10 days away.  We have only 38 days prior to
the race, so it's hardly premature.  If you aren't fit by now, best
get on to it.

* If I don't have a 20min score by that date, I will assume you are
not interested in a HOTY berth and you will not be considered for a
crew.

* Rowing starts again this Saturday morning, women at 7.30am, men at
9.30am, then we are back to our usual evening sessions, men Mon and
Wed 6.30pm, women Tues and Thurs 6.30pm.   Crews will be selected the
evening of Sunday 1st November.

Finally, a word on other regattas...

Barwon Head and Colac regattas are early in November, we will attend
at least one of these, more info to come.

Melbourne Head regatta and Dimboola/Horsham regattas are on the same
weekend (21st of Nov).  Dimboola has water again after a 3 year
hiatus.  PHRC will be travelling to Dimboola to support their return
from the wilderness.  Some crews may wish to stay and compete in the
Melb Head, but preference will go to the crews travelling to Dimmy.
Fair to say that Dimboola and Horsham RC's need our support and cash a
little more than MRC.

* Even if you are not in a HOTY boat for whatever reason, you are
still eligible and encouraged to participate in these other regattas,
so don't stop training just because you miss a HOTY crew.

I look forward to those ergo scores starting to trickle in!

Cheers, Drew