The 2026 Australian Rowing Championships (ARC26), presented by Events Tasmania, were officially declared open today, at the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course, marking the beginning of Australia’s premier rowing regatta and one of the nation’s most significant and historic annual sporting events.
The Opening Ceremony, hosted by Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman AM, marked a significant milestone - celebrating a decade of partnership with Hancock Prospecting and Rowing Australia’s Patron, Mrs Gina Rinehart AO. The ceremony brought together representatives from every rowing state and territory in a powerful display of national unity, as the Interstate Challenge Ceremony signalled the formal commencement of competition and the race for national supremacy.
ARC26 will be underpinned by the support of Hancock Prospecting and Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart AO, who after more than a decade continues to play a foundational role in enabling the success, growth, and global competitiveness of Australian rowing.
Mrs Rinehart said: “Rowing demands unrelenting dedication, early mornings, and sacrifices most never see. They wear the green and gold with great pride, and strive to represent our country at their very best. That’s why we’ve stayed committed for over ten years, to give our rowers the resources to train and compete.”
“As Patron I’m proud that Hancock Prospecting’s decade plus partnership has helped turn promising school and club rowers into Olympic and Paralympic athletes and competitors on the world stage. This Championships isn’t just about today, it’s about building the strength and depth we need to succeed at Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.”
With a record 2,100 athletes competing across the week, ARC26 highlights the depth and strength of Australian rowing, showcasing the full pathway of the sport and reinforcing its position as one of Australia’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sports.
In a symbolic moment during the Opening Ceremony, defending champion states returned their ARC25 Interstate Championship trophies to the stage, declaring that all silverware is once again up for grabs.
2026 marks two historic milestones for the event host-state Tasmania, the 100-year anniversary since Tasmania’s last victory in the King’s Cup in 1926, and 50-years since last winning the Queen’s Cup in 1976.
The ceremony reinforced the unique spirit of the Australian Rowing Championships - where the nation’s entire rowing community, from emerging school athletes through to Olympic and Paralympic representatives, comes together on one stage.
Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman AM officially opened the Championships, recognising the significance of the event within Australia’s sporting landscape and its role in developing future Olympic and Paralympic success.
"It’s a great tribute to the sport to have more than 2,000 competitors here this week," said Chesterman.
"That collective commitment - from athletes through to coaches, volunteers and support staff - is what makes rowing such a strong sport in this country.
“It’s not just about being an Olympian, it’s about having a go. That’s what continues to make rowing such a strong and connected sport across the country.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Hancock Prospecting and Mrs Gina Rinehart, whose commitment to rowing and the Olympic movement continues to make a meaningful impact.”
Chesterman also acknowledged the importance of the Interstate Regatta as one of the great traditions in Australian sport, as well as Tasmania’s role in hosting a world-class event at one of the country’s premier rowing venues.
The Australian Rowing Championships now stand as the launch pad for Australia’s international rowing campaign, with performances across the week set to inform selection for the Australian Rowing Team ahead of the 2026 World Rowing Cups and Underage World Rowing Championships.
Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer Sarah Cook OLY reflected on the importance of Rowing Australia’s partnership with Hancock Prospecting and Mrs Gina Rinehart AO as Patron, and the impact Mrs Rinehart’s more than a decade-long patronage has had on a generation of athletes.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate more than ten years of partnership with Hancock Prospecting and our Patron Mrs Gina Rinehart AO. This year-round support has been transformative for our sport and continues to provide the foundation for our athletes to pursue excellence on the world stage," said Cook.
“Today’s Opening Ceremony was a powerful reminder of what makes Australian rowing so special - bringing together every State and Territory, our current and future Rowsellas, and the entire rowing community in one place, and demonstrates that amongst a crowded sporting landscape that this is a sport that continues to grow in Australia. We saw that demonstrated just last week at the Victorian Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, the largest schoolgirl rowing regatta in the world, where I had the pleasure of presenting medals to some of the winning crews.”
“It was a tremendous honour to have Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman AM officially open the Championships. His presence reflects the importance of this event within Australia’s Olympic pathway.”
“We thank Events Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government for their outstanding support in hosting ARC26 at the magnificent Lake Barrington venue, which continues to provide a world-class stage for our athletes.”
“With record entries once again this year, ARC26 will deliver a week of exceptional racing - from our elite athletes through to the next generation coming through school and club pathways.”
“The Championships will build towards the Interstate Regatta and the iconic King and Queen’s Cup races, which remain among the great spectacles in Australian sport and a proud tradition within our rowing community.”
Rowing Australia also acknowledged the contribution of Rowing Tasmania, volunteers, officials, and staff, whose efforts have ensured the successful delivery of the Opening Ceremony and will underpin the week of competition ahead.
ARC26 will be held from March 23-29 at Lake Barrington, Tasmania, as athletes compete for national titles and interstate honours, with the Championships continuing to play a critical role in shaping Australia’s rowing future ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stay connected and immerse in the action at #ARC26. For real-time updates and live results click here. Don't miss a moment - watch the action on our live stream for free as it unfolds on our YouTube channel. For more information, visit our official #ARC26 Website.
#ARC26 | #HancockProspecting | #DiscoverTasmania