The 2026 Flying Doctor Rowathon, held on September 12, was another highly successful event with fine weather - 8-9C for the start and 26C in the afternoon with a light breeze. Participants and supporters enjoyed a Friday evening BBQ provided by Wentworth District Rowing Club on the lawns in front of the recently renovated club rooms. The shop was stacked with wonderful product donated by our great local supporters and many stocked up on fine goodies. The Saturday Rowing started with breakfast at the Rowing Club at 6.00am then all 1st leg rowers travelled to the start which was on a private property, Tapio Station on the Pooncarie Road, where there was a gentle slope into the Darling River for launching boats from about 7.00am. Crews rowed approximately 23Km down stream to another private property where it was a little more challenging to extract boats and relaunch them after a deliciious scones, jam and cream morning tea provided by the Wentworth Public School P&C folks. Crews then rowed down to WDRC for a good rest and a picnic lunch provided by Wentworth Rotary. After lunch most crews launched their boats and rowed down the Darling to the mighty Murray then rowed up the Murray, against a strong current, to a buoy where they turned and had the current supporting the row back to the Darling junction and up to WDRC to be greeted by the cheers of waiting supporters.
Participants could again visit the shop to buy some more of the donated local produce before attending the Survivors Dinner in the new rowing shed bay where welcoming speaches were made and the trophies and medals were presented. An auction for a pair of Croker sculling oars was also had.
Photos of the day and evening follow.
The start at Tapio Station
Morning tea stop
Lunch at WDRC
The Trophy Presentations to the winners can be seen on the Trophies & Results page