Following their victory over Great Britain on Saturday, the men's eight were challenged early by the Dutch, which was a combination Australia were yet to race in 2025. By the barrier marker, Australia led by just a canvas, a margin which continued to extend to the one mile marker.

In the final 500m, Australia held their one length of advantage, crossing the line in a time that equalled the record set by Australia back in 2018.

Stroke seat Alexander Hill, who also stroked the crew in 2018, saw the event as key in their progress toward September’s World Rowing Championships.

“I think Henley is just a good step along the journey," Alexander said.

"Just making sure we're doing the things we're doing well. It's a pretty tricky course here so to be able to nail what we do here, that pays dividends when you come out to a World Championships.

“Full credit to the program at the moment and what Chris O'Brien's got us doing, it meant we were able to put together a decent race.”

The victory comes as the Australian men’s double and men’s quad deployed leads early in their own races to challenge respective event favourites New Zealand and Great Britain.

South Australians Oscar McGuinness and Mitchell Reinhard in the men’s double scull led the Kiwis for most of the race, before exchanging the lead twice between the Fawley and Remenham markers.

Ultimately, New Zealand crossed the line first with a margin of one and a half lengths. Despite the result, Oscar was pleased with both their execution and the learnings gained.

“We knew it was going to take something pretty special, and we thought we had that," Oscar said.

"Even though in the end we didn’t, I’m pretty proud of how we went about it.

“What we've taken away from it is our strengths are our strengths, and we sharpen those swords as much as we can. Don't sweat the small stuff.”

The final Australian race of the regatta saw the men’s quadruple sculls contest Great Britain for the Queen Mother Challenge Cup.

Australia seized early ascendency, emerging from Temple Island three quarters of a length in front.

The new-look combination then did battle with the locals over the following kilometre, but succumbed to a move at the Fawley marker that saw Great Britain move away.

The British progressed to record a two and a half length victory and set a new record in the event.

Stroke Alexander Rossi praised the regatta for delivering learnings to carry on for the rest of the season.

“Henley has just helped to solidify little bits and pieces of our race plan, where we gain speed, how we find out rhythm, what can disrupt our rhythm and how to make sure we keep it for as long as possible and of course step on as well," Alexander said.

Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson praised Australia’s start to the 2028 Olympic cycle, whilst highlighting opportunities for further progress.

“It's the first tour in the Olympiad, and what's been really pleasing is how all the boats have gone about things, we saw that with the men's eight today with the length they rowed," Thompson said.

"That’s been a key point we've been trying to get across to the whole team. It's the same with the men's double and how much they've improved, and how hard they fought.

"We’ve seen that from the women as well, we had a great eights result and with the standalone four, they had some really good speed in Lucerne.

“We get to assess where we're up to and now we’ve got ten weeks until the World Championships to put some things in place.”

The Australian Rowing Team will now travel home to begin preparations for the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, China, from 21-28 September.

Photo Credit: Patrick Boere Photography