Message from the Treasurer
As we head into the new racing season, a friendly reminder that athletes must be financially current in order to be entered into regattas. This requires that:
- All outstanding debts from last season are cleared
- This season’s membership is paid
We understand that circumstances vary, so payments of any amount at any time are welcome, allowing you to progressively reduce your balance if needed.
Payment plans are available, however, please note that all memberships must be fully paid by January.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a payment arrangement, please get in touch — we’re here to help keep you on the water.
📧 Duncan — treasurer@mercantile.org.au
📧 Andrew — info@mercantile.org.au
Duncan MacKinnon – Treasurer | Andrew Phillips – Membership
Vale – Christopher “Chris” de Guingand (1933–2025)
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of one of Mercantile’s most senior and dedicated members, Christopher “Chris” de Guingand, aged 92.
Chris humbly admitted he was never destined to be an Olympian — yet rowing became his life’s passion from the moment he first took to the water under coach Norm Cairnes. His full rower profile can be found here:
🔗 https://www.rowinghistory-aus.info/rower-profiles/de-guingand-christopher-j
In his own words:
“Here I was to meet a number of people who would remain friends for the rest of my life, or became significant influences on my future development. … Rowing gave me the opportunity to do something that had up to that time eluded me – be good at a sport.”
Chris threw himself wholeheartedly into club life, training with dedication and immersing himself in the social fabric of Mercantile. He often reflected warmly on being welcomed into the fold at times typically reserved for family — and indeed, it was through the club that he met his beloved wife, Margaret.
His leadership extended beyond the boat, serving as Vice-Captain and Secretary, demonstrating his commitment to the club’s growth and success.
On the water, his “Olympic Games” came in the form of a dominant Junior Eight in the 1954–55 season, which swept the field winning both the Founder’s Challenge Cup at Henley-on-Yarra and the Victorian Championship. He continued to compete with distinction in eights, fours and pairs, culminating in receiving the Captain’s Trophy as the club’s most successful oarsman of the season.
Chris de Guingand was not only a rower — he was a true clubman. A man who found a home at Mercantile and helped shape it for generations to follow.
A great member, deeply respected and fondly remembered.
Memorial Service for Chris de Guingand
Dear family and friends,
We warmly invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of, Christopher de Guingand.
Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00pm
Location: Christchurch Memorial Hall
2 Denham Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122
(On-street parking available)
Light refreshments will be served after formalities and we can remember, share stories and simply celebrate a life well lived, Dad’s life. A condolence book will be available for your messages, and if you have any photos of Dad, you’re very welcome to bring them along to include in the book.
Please RSVP or send any questions to saltyrichmond@gmail.com.
With love,
The de Guingand Family
Contributions – Honouring Service: Andrew Guerin
We take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Andrew Guerin — Life Member, past Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, President, and a generous benefactor of our Club.
Beyond his remarkable service to Mercantile, Andrew has been a respected World Rowing Umpire since 1995. This year marked a milestone as he reached the mandatory retirement age for international officials, concluding his distinguished umpiring career at the World Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Spain.
We honour Andrew’s unwavering dedication to rowing at both club and international levels and congratulate him on thirty years of service as an international umpire — a legacy defined by integrity, leadership and passion for the sport.
Podcast 3 — Released 13th October
James Tomkins OAM OLY: The Making of Australia’s Most Awarded Oarsman
In this episode, Drew sits down with former teammate James Tomkins to explore his rise from schoolboy rower to Australia’s most decorated oarsman. James is the only athlete to win World Championship gold in every sweep boat class, with seven World Titles and three Olympic gold medals among his achievements.
This candid conversation traces James’ journey through school rowing, his formative years at Mercantile, and the thrill of competing alongside his mentors. He opens up about fear, failure, triumph and what it truly takes to perform at the highest level.
A must-listen for athletes of all ages, this episode offers rare insight into the mindset and career of one of the greatest rowers in Australian — and world — history.
Hosted by: Drew Ginn
Guest: James Tomkins OAM OLY
Sponsored by: 776BC
Produced by: Finster Productions
Reference: Australian Rowing History
Click here to listen on Spotify
Fundraiser – purchase a seat!
The Guerin Club (Clubbie program) is raising funds to purchase a new 8+ for our Women’s Club and Junior squads — and we need your support! Our goal is $15,000.
We’re offering a unique opportunity to purchase one of nine seats in the boat for a minimum donation of $1,000. Each purchased seat will feature a commemorative plaque engraved with your name — or a name of your choice.
Donate $2,000 or more? We’ll let you write anything you like on the plaque (within reason, of course!).
Image example: here’s what your plaque could look like — now imagine your name on it!
Not ready to buy a whole seat? No worries. Smaller contributions are also welcomed and deeply appreciated — every dollar gets us closer to putting our women on the water in this new shell.
About the Boat
We’re aiming to acquire a gently used Laszlo 8+, which will replace our much-loved (but very tired!) Colvin in the women’s fleet.
How to Donate
All donations are made via the club’s Foundation — and are fully tax deductible.
Donate here: https://www.mercantile.org.au/donate
Once you’ve donated:
Email treasurer@mercantile.org.au or
Email womensclubrowing@mercantile.org.au
Please let us know:
- That your donation is for the women’s 8+
- If you purchased a seat, what name or message you’d like on your plaque!
New Partnership Perk
Recover Smarter with P3 Recovery Richmond
We’re excited to announce a new recovery partnership exclusively for Mercantile Rowing Club members with P3 Recovery Richmond, giving you access to elite-level recovery at a reduced rate.
Mercantile Member Offer:
- 30% OFF Essential Membership – now $34/week (usually $49/week)
- 2-month minimum
- Unlimited weekly access to:
- Wet therapy & magnesium baths
- Compression garments
- Infrared sauna
- Traditional sauna
Whether you’re chasing performance gains, speeding up post-session recovery, or simply looking after your body through the season grind, P3 offers a holistic recovery environment trusted by high-performance athletes.
Exclusive Mercantile Recovery Sessions
Members will also receive access to a quarterly Mercantile-only session, running:
Saturdays, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
A perfect opportunity to reset the body, recover as a squad and build team connection.
Squad Recovery Days
Planning a squad session? Group bookings (20+ people) are available at exclusive discounted rates — ideal for pre-camp or post-regatta recovery.
Why It Matters
With rowing placing significant demands on the body, regular access to thermal therapy, compression and contrast recovery can help:
✅ Reduce fatigue
✅ Improve circulation
✅ Accelerate muscle repair
✅ Keep you fresher for training and racing
How to Sign Up for the P3 Essential Membership Unlimited (via Partner Discount Code)
- Go to the App Store or Google Play and download the P3 Recovery app.
- Open the app and create an account or log in.
- Select your location (Richmond).
- Choose the Essential Membership Unlimited option.
- Add your payment details.
- Enter your partner discount code P3MRC30 when prompted. The discounted rate will update automatically.
- Confirm your membership.
- Your membership is active immediately. Enjoy unlimited access to our saunas, magnesium pools, and compression therapy.