The ‘Gina Rinehart AO’ has been victorious in its maiden race, with the Swan River Rowing Club’s (SRRC) women’s 8+ winning at last weekend’s Mettam Head Race.
The 4.5km race on Canning River is of great historical value and honours Gunner George Mettam of the West Australian Rowing Club. He was the 7th man of the victorious AIF No 1 crew, that won the King’s Cup at the Henley Peace Regatta in 1919.
Roy Hill donated the world-class racing boat to the SRRC’s women’s squad and the impressive victory by over one minute comes hot on the heels of the boat’s christening and maiden voyage at the start of May.
The boat was christened ‘Gina Rinehart AO’ as an acknowledgement of our Executive Chairman’s support of the sport and painted pink to recognise her long-term commitment to breast cancer research and patient support.
SRRC Head Coach Mark Beer, said the women’s squad have been training in the boat for the upcoming season since the christening.
“This is Club’s first women’s A Grade 8+ race in over a year and the win is the perfect start to the season.
“We have seen an increase new female club members and performances at the Club in the short time the boat has been part of the fleet. The impact of the ‘Gina Rinehart AO’ is real and measurable!”
