Highlights

• CRC wins the Queensland Championship Men’s 8+ in 1990, 1991, 1994.
• CRC wins the Queensland Championship Women’s 8+ in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1995.
• 35 Australian selections and gold on the world stage!
• An era of legendary ‘States after-parties’ begins.
• Revenue from car parking dries up as the Council puts its foot down.
• Scheme after scheme is proposed to raise revenue – new clubhouse, poker machines, parking stations, accommodation — foiled by government at every turn.
• Introduction of the Corporate Regatta saves the day!
• First-ever attendance at the Head of the Yarra and 1 winning crew.
• More mature age rowers signing up as members.

1990 – 7 CRC athletes represent Australia at the World Rowing Championship at Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Gary Lynagh wins bronze.

1991 – Gary Lynagh wins World Rowing Championship LW M4x. There is concern with only 3 years left on the lease and not a lot of money in the bank. CRC organises its biggest fund raiser for the year — a pie drive!

1992 – Gary Lynagh wins World Rowing Championship LW M2x. Robin Bakker competes in Barcelona Olympics M4x. Plans for the “Boathouse” social centre are formed with $800,000 to be made available to augment club funds.

1993 – Gary Lynagh wins World Rowing Championship LW M2x. CRC is still pursuing dreams of clubhouse redevelopment, with high expectations for the future. They share the facilities with Rowing Queensland Talent ID Program as Rowing Queensland takes up residence across the road. CRC signs an agreement to host the Brisbane Girls Grammar School as schoolgirl rowing ramps up in Brisbane.

1994 – CRC is unhappy with the Brisbane City Council inability to address the lease situation. A signed Intensive Training Centre Agreement changes the rowing landscape forever — it takes the best rowers away from the club environment and they are no longer competing at pointscore regattas.

1995 – CRC realises the need to relocate as the Brisbane City Council and Queensland Government continue to be unhelpful.

1996 – Wally Hughes, CRC stalwart and member for 64 years, passes away. The 1st Corporate Rowing Event — The Heart of Brisbane — is run in partnership with the Mission Australia charity. It is the brainchild of Jim Martin inviting every architect, law firm and mining house around. Steve Wilson launches ‘Rock the Boat’ — challenging all the highflying businessmen in town to raise money for Mission Australia (and CRC). City Cats arrive, much to our rowing detriment.

1997 – Gary Lynagh competes in the Olympics LM4-.

1998 – Shaun Coulton wins the World Rowing Championship U23M4x.

1999 – CRC attends its 1st Head of the Yarra event, starting a fad to travel to Melbourne every year. CRC’s record for attendance – 10 8+s.

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