The indicative program for the 2013 inaugural Sydney International Rowing Regatta (SIRR) has been released. According to Event director, Matt Draper, “it’s a big moment for the event”.

“This festival of rowing, is a unique rowing event in the world. Developing a program that tries to cater for so many interests has not been easy”, said Draper. “It’s been a unique challenge to put together a program that not only caters for the exciting World Rowing Cup initiative we have this year, but also develops the grass roots and the schools. Added to that complexity, comes the very real prospect of TV coverage of the World Rowing Cup, Kings & Queens Cups Interstate regatta, as well as an one hour ‘Super Package’ of profile events within the Open National and Open Schools Championships. Whilst the final program still needs to be approved by the RA Board and the final start times and numbers of heats will only be determined by the entry numbers in each event, the indicative program gives Clubs, Schools and elite rowers alike, the best chance to plan their season.”

“We have spent many months developing a program that is fully integrated and workable”, said Dr. Chris Grummitt, Technology Director for the SIRR Organising Committee. “We have never published an indicative schedule so early in the season”, says Mick Eastaughffe, Technical Delegate for the event. “We have been extremely conscious that Clubs, Schools and Elite athletes both here in Australia and Overseas, need to plan. It’s not the same as every other Nationals. It’s much bigger than that and it’s going to be great.”

“There are quite a few new ‘Conditions of Entry’ that may still be added by the RA Board and even FISA,” says Draper. “However the chance to have school crews on the water at the same time as their Olympic heroes, is a fantastic experience that can’t be replaced”.

Not only that, but the look and feel of the event will be quite unique. “It’s only year one,” says member of the Organising Committee and RA CEO, Andrew Dee. “We don’t want to be overly ambitious, but we do want to deliver a quality experience, that the whole of the Australian rowing community and our international visitors walk away from saying, ‘wow…that’s how rowing events should always be done!’.”

The event is presented by Singapore Airlines and is being delivered by Rowing Australia and Rowing NSW. It showcases event partnerships with Destination NSW, FISA partner Samsung and The Audi Centre Canberra