Help Us Get to the Start Line at Henley Royal Regatta – Support the Junior Mercantile Crew!

We are the Junior Women's Eight from Mercantile Rowing Club in Melbourne, Australia — a crew made up entirely of dedicated school-aged rowers who have trained relentlessly with one dream in mind: to compete at the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta in the UK.

That dream is now becoming a reality. We have been accepted to race in the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, the most prestigious junior women’s events in international rowing. Even more incredibly, we are the only Australian crew competing in this event. Representing our club, our country, and each other on such a renowned world stage means everything to us.

But we need your help to get there. You are integral to the process and we hope to carry you to victory with us!

Henley is a unique event, steeped in tradition and history, but attending it comes with serious logistical and financial challenges. As a junior crew, the costs involved are significant; we need to cover international boat and oar hire, travel, transport, accommodation, food and training logistics. These expenses quickly add up, and as school students, it is more than we can manage alone.

This campaign is not just about helping us row; it’s about giving young athletes the chance to live a dream, gain international experience, and grow through sport. This trip represents the culmination of years of commitment, and the opportunity of a lifetime.

We would be deeply grateful for any support you can provide — whether it’s a donation, a share of our story, or helping us connect with sponsors. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to the start line at Henley.

Thank you for helping us make this dream a reality. Let’s show the world what the Junior Mercantile Crew can do.

Crew:

Cox: Nick Bogdan

S: Kari Prendergast

7: Sophia Perton

6: Emma Peele

5: Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis

4: Emily Rasmussen

3: Mackenzie Pugh

2: Lucy Gillon

B: Evelyn Ford

Reserve: Lizzie Robson

Coach: Dean Kloufetos