Glebe 2023 JB Sharp Regatta Draws Near!

Hi everyone! We’re so excited to share with you some tips on how to get ready for the first JB Sharp Regatta Series regatta in Glebe on Blackwattle Bay on 18 June 2023. This is a great opportunity for novice rowers to experience the thrill of racing and to improve their skills and fitness. I’ve been participating in this series for the past twenty-three years and I can tell you it’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet other rowers from different clubs.

The JB Sharp Regatta Series is a series of five regattas held over five Sundays in winter, starting from 18 June and ending on 6 August. Each regatta has different events for men, women, and mixed crews, ranging from single sculls to eights. The distances are either 500m, 800m or 1000m depending on the regatta. The points are awarded based on the finishing positions and the number of entries in each event. The series culminates in a presentation following the final regatta where the overall winners are announced and trophies are awarded.

The first regatta of the series is hosted by Glebe Rowing Club at Blackwattle Bay. This is a beautiful location with stunning views of the city skyline and the Anzac Bridge. The course is a straight 500m stretch along the bay, marked by buoys. The start line is near the Sydney Secondary College and the finish line is near the Fish Market. The regatta site is at the Glebe Rowing Club shed, where you can register, get on and off the water, and store your boats and oars.

To get ready for this regatta, here are some things you should do:

• Check the draw and confirm your entries. You can find the draw on the JB Sharp website (https://www.jbsharpregatta.org/) or on Rowing NSW website (https://www.rowingnsw.asn.au/) shortly before the regatta. Make sure you know your event number, time, lane, and crew members. If there are any changes or errors, contact your club captain or coach as soon as possible.
• Plan your transport and parking. You can get to Blackwattle Bay by public transport (bus or light rail) or by car. If you drive, be aware that parking can be limited and you may have to park further away from the regatta site. Allow enough time to get there and to unload your boats and equipment.
• Prepare your equipment and clothing. Make sure your boat and oars are in good condition and comply with the safety rules. Check your heel ties, bow ball, cox box, rudder, etc. Bring your club uniform, warm clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snacks, etc.
• Warm up and stretch before your race. Make sure you follow the traffic rules and stay clear of the course. Listen to the announcements and instructions from the officials and marshals.
• Enjoy your race and have fun! This is a friendly and supportive series that welcomes rowers of all levels and abilities. Don’t worry too much about winning or losing, just focus on doing your best and learning from your experience. Cheer for your club mates and other competitors, and congratulate them after their races.
• Stay for the whole regatta (it’s over by lunchtime) and socialise with other rowers. After the final regatta, there will be a presentation where medals are awarded to the winners of each perpetual trophy, but during each regatta, presentations will occur during the events. There is also a barbecue and drinks available for purchase at the shed. This is a great chance to mingle with other rowers from different clubs and make new friends.

I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to get ready for the first 2023 JB Sharp Regatta Series regatta in Glebe on Blackwattle Bay on 18 June 2023. I look forward to seeing you all there and having a great time together. Happy rowing!