The Ballarat Grammar boys' first crew defied all the odds going into the main race, ignored all the pre-regatta form and pulled out their third Head of the Lake victory in a row in a stunning performance.

St Patrick's College entered the race as favourites following some dominant form in lead up regattas, but couldn't get back their lead once they lost it to Grammar.

St Pat's jumped out of the blocks and led through the first 1000 metres. In footy terms it was the premiership quarter where it was won, as Grammar put the foot down and hit the lead during the third 500 metres.

They never looked back, their power and momentum taking them to the eerily quiet finish line as Head of the Lake champions for 2021.

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Captain of Boats Will Ussher said it was amazing to win boat race in his final year with a great crew.

"Awesome, this is my last year of rowing, just to have a win in the firsts was unreal, I'll remember it forever, it was great," he said.

"The boys have been good, dedicated and committed and we've all been jumping online and doing it together and helping each other out. That race, it was great."

First crew coach Paul Commons echoed his captains words, saying Head of the Lake wins are always amazing.

"Pretty special to win those ones. It's all a new crew, we had a senior crew last year that was a bit experienced, but this year was pretty special, we had to come back into it," he said.

"The boys are pretty chuffed that they basically rowed back from 1000 being down, so it was a strong result."

The joy was evident as the crew rowed back to the boat shed with the entire Grammar rowing squad waiting for them.

Hugh Bond, stroke of the boat, had nearly lost his voice in all the excitement and celebrations on the water once they had crossed the line.

He said the win was the result of a tough race that was neck and neck through the middle 1000 metres.

"Unreal, words can't even describe it at the moment, dark horses, amazing, couldn't be prouder of the boys," he said.

"Wasn't our best start, started out probably weren't in front and St Pat's were just holding. At the 1km we all put in and pushed away which was awesome."

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