Entering its 180^th year of one of the oldest continuous sporting contests in the world – older than the famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge crews – the regatta was affected by windy conditions and several swampings of small boats.

But Scotch’s top crews just powered through the Home Reach course in a number of starring performances. 

Scotch open boys’ eight have put their names up for a probable state youth eight crew invitation judging by their good win on Saturday.

The 2018 race champions finished the 2000m distance more than two boat lengths ahead at the line.

The eights will be confident heading into their clash with Hutchins in the final three regattas of the year.

The biggest margin win of the day came from the Scotch under-15s, their crew easily claiming race honours with plenty of clear water.

Launceston Grammar open eights were also rather impressive in their win and look the goods to take out the prestigious Home Reach Trophy on Sunday. 

But Grammar should be seriously challenged by the Tasmanian women’s state eights, invited to row in this year’s open girls race.

Launceston College are the current perpetual trophy holders and were also the 2017 state champion crew in club rowing.

The Roger Fowler Trophy is up for grabs for under-13 to under-16 crews, while the Graham and Elizabeth Quinn Senior Trophy is open for all age events.