Asian Engagement Tour ’25 Results

A Journey of Connection and Competition 

On Wednesday November 26, a team of 21 jetted off to China for the Hengqin Regatta! Read about the experience from the perspective of our Asian Engagement Project Officer and Tour Manager, Mark Easterbrook. 

What began as two crews training out of Fremantle Rowing Club (FRC) culminated in two thrilling races at the Hengqin Rowing Regatta on Sunday 30 November. The livestream brought the excitement home, enabling supporters to cheer in real time. 

Our gratitude goes to the Department of Cultural Industries, Tourism and Sports (CITS) for their unwavering interest and support throughout the campaign—from the first training session to the final results. 

Bringing together 18 athletes from Perth clubs and moulding them into a cohesive squad was no small feat. Coaches Dave Vandas (FRC) and Ellie Maddin (Curtin University Boat Club) ensured the team remained focused and professional, embracing the challenges of an overseas tour—new environments, unfamiliar food, and the buzz of Macau—while interacting with rowers from around the globe. 

The adventure began with an opening dinner at the Wynn Palace, where our athletes mingled with crews from Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge. After two days in Macau, we crossed into mainland China, taking every opportunity to familiarise ourselves with boats, the course, and the competition. 

Saturday’s heats showcased our composure, with both crews earning spots in the A-finals. The women faced Chinese Cultural University (Taipei) and Hong Kong University, while the men battled South Korean National University (Seoul) and Cercle Nautique de France (France). It was a time-trial format, and our crews rose to the occasion. 

Sunday’s finals were a highlight. Both crews bringing home a Gold medal! The women held their nerve against strong opposition, while the men delivered a standout performance against Harvard, inching ahead in a professional, disciplined row. Post-race interactions reflected genuine respect and camaraderie—a hallmark of this tour. 

Before returning home, the squad enjoyed a tour of Zhuhai, experiencing the region’s connectivity and culture. Beyond racing, the trip sparked conversations about Asian teams joining regattas in Perth. As our Asian Engagement programme enters its third year, these relationships promise exciting opportunities for 2026 and beyond. 

Well done to our crews—your efforts have truly impressed in China. Here’s to welcoming more international teams to Perth in the years ahead. 

 The athletes/ambassadors for Rowing Western Australia were: