Hello everyone,
Welcome to the October edition of the Captain’s Report. It has been a vibrant and energising month at Mercantile, with activity on the water, in the boathouse, and across every corner of the club. The momentum is unmistakable and it’s fantastic to see.
High Performance Back in Full Swing
Our High-Performance squad has returned to training with real intent. Sessions on the Carrum course have been productive, and the recent time trials have laid down strong benchmarks for the season ahead. Several athletes are preparing for upcoming NTC camps, and we wish them every success as they pursue national opportunities.
To further support our athletes, we’re pleased to welcome a new Strength & Conditioning Coach to the team, another step toward enhancing professionalism, performance, and long-term athlete development.
Alongside our senior athletes, both the Junior Development and Guerin Club programs continue to make excellent progress, strengthening the depth and future of the club.
Upgrades Around the Clubhouse
Members will soon notice some exciting improvements around the facility:
- New gym speakers are being installed to enhance the training environment.
- Thanks to a generous arrangement from Andrew Canon, the clubhouse is scheduled for a fresh coat of paint, lifting the space for all members to enjoy.
These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality facilities that match the standards of our programs and athletes.
Fleet & Branding Updates
We’re pleased to share that a new double/pair has joined the fleet, providing valuable flexibility for both sweep and sculling combinations.
Additionally, our new club branding stickers for boats and oars have arrived. These will further unify our fleet’s identity and proudly showcase the red and white wherever we race.
A Growing Membership
The club continues to expand, with eight new members joining us this month. We extend a warm Mercantile welcome to each of them and look forward to seeing them on the water and at club events.
Our club podcast, Mercantile Radio, also continues to gain momentum, sharing stories, insights, and history from across the Mercs community. We encourage members to keep sending news, achievements, and updates to our social media team, your stories are what drive our content and showcase the strength of our club culture.
Looking Ahead
It’s shaping up to be a busy, rewarding, and highly competitive season. The energy and commitment across every program is something we can all be proud of. I look forward to seeing you around the club and out on the water over the coming weeks.
Alex Clarke – Captain
