Rowing classic goes to midweek

BALLARAT sporting classic, the Head of the Lake, will be rowed on a Wednesday at Geelong next year.In what will be a second consecutive year on the Barwon River for the event, a hectic rowing schedule on the course has forced Ballarat Associated Schools to run what is traditionally known as the ``Boat Race'' on February 18.BAS co-ordinator Sharyn Canny said the organising committee had been left with no choice but to move to midweek."Our preference was to stay on a Sunday."Everything went perfectly last year, but it just didn't fit in (with the Geelong Rowing Association's schedule),'' she said.The Barwon River will be the setting for school regattas on February 14 and 15, and then the 12th annual Australian Masters on February 20-March 1.Ms Canny said other days of the week were available, but Wednesday fitted in best around other school rowing commitments at that time of year.The BAS is considering a twilight program to minimise disruption to classes and maximise the opportunity for parents and other supporters to attend on a working day.An afternoon schedule is the other option."We want to ensure we give people the best possible opportunity to attend.""We're in negotiation with school communities to see what fits best,'' she said.The Head of the Lake moved to Geelong last year after four years at Nagambie Lakes in northern Victoria.Boat Race originally went to Nagambie owing to the low water level of Lake WendoureeThe switch to Geelong meant the division one events had to be cut back from 2000 to 1500 metres.The Ballarat Rowing Association regatta will again be at Nagambie on Saturday, January 24, and Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club regatta on Saturday, February 7.