Regatta fun

Spectators from around Australia  gathered at the Regatta Centre to cheer on the talented athletes who competed in the NSW Rowing Championships today, Friday, November 15. 

Erskineville’s Pete Willis is the owner and designer of Pontoon, the fashion label that provides rowing gear and clothing.

Mr Willis, who sells his products across the world,  has travelled to venues in Amsterdam, London England and across Australia.

A former rower, he believes the course at the Regatta Centre here is one of his favourites. 

‘‘This is one of the best courses as far as rowing goes,’’ he said. 

‘‘I’ve been to the London Olympic venue and this is far better.’’

Many people attend the event to compete at here. 

The young women from the Mercantile Rowing Club in Victoria said they were excited to be competing.

‘‘The course is really sweet,’’  rower Kat Werry said.

The Regatta Centre was built for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. 

Rower  Fiona Albert said the structure of the course means the outcome of the races is not drastically affected by weathers.

‘‘It’s more fair,’’ she said.

Mr Wills believes events such as the NSW Rowing Championships help local businesses.

‘‘It brings a huge amount of business to Penrith,’’ he said. 

‘‘Two thousand people will be competing in the NSW Championships alone.’’