St Catherine’s 1st VIII Take on the World 

 

Our St Catherine’s 1st VIII  is off to take on one final challenge, the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK. The Henley Royal Regatta provides an opportunity for our rowers to test themselves against the best Schoolgirl Eights in the world.

You can help get our girls to Henley by donating.

DONATE HERE. 

Anything is possible with hard work and determination and all gifts will assist in supporting the logistics of boat and oar hire in the UK.

St Catherine’s 1st VIII has had a tremendous Rowing season.  

They are the first crew in St Catherine’s history to have an undefeated season in the Schoolgirl Eight event, winning the HOSG Regatta and the Australian Rowing Championships. It is only the second time ever that the School has won either of these events and the first time St Catherine’s has won them both in the same year.  

The students who make up the 1st VIII have demonstrated persistence, determination, and resilience to continue to challenge themselves and overcome numerous challenges to be the best in Victoria and Australia.  

Now, they are off to take on one final challenge, the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK. The Henley Royal Regatta provides an opportunity for our rowers to test themselves against the best Schoolgirl Eights in the world. Competing at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our St Catherine’s students, exposing them to a pinnacle event in the World of rowing, and an event held in extraordinarily high esteem, by not only the rowing world but also British society. 

The Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except for the years affected by the two World Wars and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Regatta attracts some of the best crews from around the world, including numerous Olympic and World Championship-winning athletes. Last year saw the addition of the Junior Women’s Eight event, which has been named “The Prince Philip Challenge Trophy.” It is expected that crews will come from North America, mainland Europe, and the UK to compete in this event. 

The St Catherine’s 1st VIII has been training extraordinarily hard preparing themselves to take on the best Schoolgirl Crews from around the world. We are beyond excited that St Catherine’s School students will have the opportunity to compete on the world stage and wish these students the best of luck overseas, I know the whole St Catherine’s community is behind them. 

 

Miss Brigette Carlile, Head of Rowing