For Glen Innes’ Henry Hughes, it was the fifth and final year he has rowed in the Head of the River event, since he started in Year 7 as a coxswain. 

“Rowing as a sport has really developed my character and the opportunities the sport has given me will be an influence on me for the rest of my life,” Hughes said.

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The teenager, who attends The Armidale School, was among thousands of students, parents and friends who lined the banks of the Sydney International Regatta Centre to support the nine competing schools in what is one of the biggest school events on the Australian rowing calendar.

Hot and still conditions saw results across the regatta generally around eight to 10 seconds slower than the times recorded on a tail wind-assisted course at Head of the River last year, and at the King’s/PLC Regatta on February 3.

In spite of that, the TAS First IV and Third IV both crossed the line in their second fastest times of the season.

Battling it out with The King’s School for third place for much of the race, the TAS First IV ultimately finished fifth in 7:08:32.

A re-formed Second IV took to the water in their first race together as a crew, after rower Sebastian Etheridge had to withdraw due to glandular fever last Tuesday and was replaced by quad scull rower Luke Rorke who had never previously rowed with a sweep (single) oar.

Hughes, who is Captain of Boats, was full of praise for his teammate.

“Given the circumstances our crew really peaked at Head of the River and it was amazing the way Luke picked up the technique so well – our willingness to overcome adversity is a credit to the crew’s character and we still managed to row our second best time of the season,” he said.

Placing seventh they crossed the line in 7:40:89.