Unfavourable conditions and bushfires in the state on Friday forced the decision to the cancel the event scheduled for January 10 and 11.
“The decision was understandable and in the best interests of everyone’s safety but if was a huge pity at the same time,” Murray Rowing Association spokesperson Paul Somerville said.
The organising committee form the three local rowing clubs; Corowa, Rutherglen Lake and Wahgunyah, spend months planning for this event.
The venue at Lake Moodemere had been completely set up and ready for racing.
The event is one of the biggest regattas on the Rowing Victoria calendar and attracts clubs from around the state and interstate.
Over 400 rowers were scheduled to compete at the regatta and local clubs had plenty of entries in many events over the weekend.
The regatta traditionally serves as the major fundraising effort for the three clubs.
Funds raised from the regatta are put towards new equipment, boats and training programs to encourage new starters to the sport.
The clubs are now working with Rowing Victoria and ways to minimise the losses from the cancelled event.
However, the three clubs are adamant that the regatta will return next season.
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