Men’s Guerin Club
The Men’s Guerin Club is rolling into winter with purpose—and pace. The focus is firmly set on a strong campaign across key regattas, including Melbourne Head, Rutherglen, State Champs, and the iconic Mildura/Wentworth regatta.
Training will ramp up with three on-water sessions each week, supported by a structured erg and weights program and access to coaching to ensure everyone hits the season with strength, rhythm, and race-readiness.
To kick things off properly, we’ll be officially launching the 2025/26 season on Wednesday, August 21st with a row and BBQ at the shed—setting the tone with solid strokes and good vibes. It’s a great opportunity to meet the squad, chat with the coaches, and get aligned for the season ahead.
If you’re keen to train, race, and enjoy the ride—or know someone who might be—get in touch with Men’s Coach Alistair Taylor at mensclubrowing@mercantile.org.au.
Women’s Guerin Club
Led by the ever-enthusiastic Roy Zhang, the Women’s Guerin Club is grinding through winter with 4s and 8s on the water, keeping momentum through the cold months. As we look toward spring, Roy is already recruiting new rowers to build on the crew’s strength and depth.
Whether you’re returning to rowing, looking for a new challenge, or just want to enjoy the camaraderie of training and racing, the Guerin Women’s squad is the place to be. Stay tuned for more spring initiatives—and don’t hesitate to reach out and get involved. To get in touch with Roy please send him an email at womensclubrowing@mercantile.org.au.
Nick Reynish – General Committee/Media
Junior Boys
With many of the boys immersed in winter sports—basketball, footy, and cross-country—our rowing activity this month has been limited but focused. Despite fewer sessions, we’ve made valuable use of the time, particularly through work in the single sculls.
Rowing singles has provided an important reset for our more experienced athletes. The single, as always, is an honest and unforgiving teacher—offering immediate feedback, both good and bad. Each session has centred around refining the fundamentals: correct handle grip, posture, sequencing, connection, and stroke length. These building blocks remain the key to boat speed and technical development.
We were also excited to welcome two new additions to the squad—Freddy Tomlinson and Harry Sinfield, both in Year 9 at their respective schools. In just a session and a half, they’ve gone from cautious beginners to confident and capable scullers. While there were the occasional wobbles, their willingness to learn and calm execution of the basics has already seen them confidently doing laps on the course. A promising start!
As the Melbourne days gradually lengthen, we look forward to ramping up our water time and preparing for the head racing season on the horizon.
Go Mercs!
Squad Members:
Jack Harrington
Austin Locke
Tom Bergelin
Joe Dwyer
Freddy Tomlinson
Harry Sinfield
Anthony “Berge” Bergelin – Junior Boys Coach
