Head of the Lake to be held on Tuesday instead of Sunday

Ballarat’s famous Head of the Lake rowing event has run aground before boats even hit the water. Days out from the 2025 race organisers have been forced into a reschedule. Here’s why.

The winning Ballarat Clarendon College team from last year. Cooper Nolle, Phoebe Maher, Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis, Annabelle Moloney, Teja Kirsanovs. This year’s event has been moved to Tuesday. Picture: Shane Jones.

Ballarat’s Head of the Lake will be not be held on Sunday after weather forced the event to be postponed.

Strong winds forecast for Sunday has seen the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS), the event’s organisers, move the regatta to Tuesday next week.

“The BAS Principals met this morning, and a decision has been made to reschedule the Head of the Lake rowing regatta to Tuesday 25 February,” a statement said.

“This decision was made in accordance with the BAS event guidelines that state if there are any winds or gusts forecast over 30kmph using the BOM app, the event must be rescheduled.

“The weather forecast for this Sunday, February 23, exceeds these parameters of: Wind speed – 30 kmph, Wind gusts – 30 kmph.”

The BAS said the decision came down to making conditions as safe as possible.

“The principals acknowledge that there will be many disappointed people within the community, however the safety of the rowers is paramount,” BAS said.

Originally published as Head of the Lake to be held on Tuesday instead of Sunday