The World Lightweight Rowing Alliance (WLRA) AUS Lightweight Women’s 8+, featuring Buckingham Rowing Club members Verayna Zilm and Phoebe Teale (currently rowing for Sydney Uni while pursuing her studies), embarked on an unforgettable trip to the 2024 Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in October.

In an exciting, down-to-the-wire race, the team triumphed at one of the world’s premier rowing events. Known as the largest two-day regatta globally, the HOCR draws over 11,000 athletes and 800 clubs from around the world to contest the 4.8km course along Boston’s Charles River.

Assembled by Olympic Champion and WLRA founder Peter Antonie, and coached by MUBC’s Paul McGann, the Australian women’s crew secured victory in the Lightweight 8+ event by a margin of just 0.6 seconds over Boston University.

Preparation began with a pre-departure camp in Melbourne. A convincing win at the Head of the Barwon in Geelong gave them confidence for the international competition.

On arrival in the US, the team trained for a week out of the Harvard Radcliffe Boat Shed.

Race day delivered a fierce contest as the WLRA-AUS crew battled against Boston University, Princeton, and Harvard Radcliffe. The Aussies held 3rd position for much of the race until a final sprint propelled them into the lead, crossing the finish line just 0.6 seconds ahead of Boston.

The top four crews finished within just 2.13 seconds of each other, highlighting the intensity and excitement of lightweight rowing.

This victory was more than just a hard-earned win—it was a statement in support of lightweight rowing, a category facing potential removal from international competitions.

The WLRA-AUS team is hopeful that by competing internationally, they can showcase Australia’s top lightweight talent and inspire others to join the cause. Their story has gained traction among US rowing media and the global lightweight community, with several countries expressing interest in sending lightweight crews to next year’s regatta.

The team hopes this marks the start of a new chapter for lightweight rowing, rather than its end. They extend their thanks to everyone who supported the journey.

• North Esk Rowing Club’s Oscar Birtwistle and Tasmania University Boat Club’s Angus Paynter were part of the WLRA Australian men’s Lightweight 8+ that finished 10^th of 13 crews in their event.

- VERAYNA ZILM

Full results of 2024 Head of the Charles Regatta here