“THE MERCANTILIAN” TURNS 58 YEARS OLD
This month marks a remarkable milestone in our club’s story: 58 years of The Mercantilian.
The publication you are reading stands on the shoulders of a long and proud tradition. The very first edition appeared at the end of 1967, under the stewardship of Simon Newcomb, supported by Peter Gibbs, Tony Cordell and Jim Harvey. The cover of that inaugural issue simple, spirited, and unmistakably Mercantile—remains a treasured piece of club history.
To celebrate this 58-year legacy, the Club has been presented with copies of all past printed editions of The Mercantilian from the Guerin collection a complete archive of the publication’s printed era.
A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST EDITION
The 1967 issue captured everything that made Mercantile unique:
- Reports from the international season
- Reflections and plans for 1968
- Historical articles
- News and gossip from around the barrel
- And, in true Mercs fashion, a generous helping of humour—complete with fictitious letters, cartoons, and embarrassing member anecdotes.
It was bold, cheeky, informative, and deeply connected to the life of the club qualities that have endured across six decades.
FROM PRINT TO DIGITAL
Rising printing and postage costs eventually brought the printed era to a close in July 2017.
By then, a monthly electronic version launched in 2015 was already emerging, evolving again into the current format in February 2025. The Mercantilian remains what it has always been: a chronicle of the people, achievements, culture, and character of Mercantile Rowing Club.
Long live The Mercantilian.
HISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT: MAJGEN H. W. LLOYD
Our historical scouts have unearthed another fascinating chapter from our past: Major General Herbert William Lloyd, a Mercantile member who raced with the club prior to the First World War.
Lloyd began rowing at Wesley College but found his greatest success after joining Mercantile. His military career was distinguished:
- Served in the militia before WWI
- Fought at Gallipoli and in France
- Rose to Brigadier-General
- Returned to service in WWII in senior staff roles in Australia
Beyond the military, he was a respected public servant, businessman, company director, and politician successful in every arena he entered. A remarkable life, and another link in the chain of Mercantile’s rich history.
Full profile: (as referenced in the Rowing History archives)
THE GOLDEN OAR REGATTA
Rowing continues to benefit from visionaries such as John and Jeanette Gasson, whose new initiative the Golden Oar Regatta has brought a fresh format and a fresh club, The Red Shed, into the sport.
The Red Shed model combines rowing access with commercial activities catering, sponsorships, and gym memberships—to provide affordable rowing opportunities for young people who might otherwise be excluded. An admirable and forward-thinking contribution to the sport.
The Golden Oar itself is raced over two days, across three distances (3000m, 1500m, 450m), in four categories (Open, Under 19, Masters, PR3), with only mixed crews and a $100,000 prize pool.
It was a vibrant festival atmosphere and Mercantile was proudly represented.
Mercs Results
PR3 Mixed Double Scull – WIN
Susannah Lutz (Mercantile) and Flynn Wilkinson (Sydney)
Mixed Open Quad – THIRD PLACE
One of the few sole club crews in the event, defeating an internationally credentialed lineup featuring:
- The Sinković brothers (Croatia, Olympic Champions)
- Tara Rigney (Australian Olympian)
- Harriet Hudson (Australian Olympian)
Mercantile Crew:
- Stroke: Paige Barr
- 3 Seat: Dom Frederico
- 2 Seat: Austin Reinehr
- Bow: Emmie Frederico
A superb effort, and a result the club can take great pride in.
IN CLOSING
Fifty-eight years on, The Mercantilian remains a celebration of who we are past, present, and future. From the earliest printed pages to today’s digital editions, it continues to capture the achievements, stories, and spirit of Mercantile Rowing Club.
Here’s to its history and to the many chapters still to come.
Andrew Guerin – Patron