Filippi and Melbourne University

The name ‘Filippi’ may be immediately associated with the idyllic western coastline of Italy but their influence within the rowing world spreads far and wide. As evidenced in the previous success story, focusing on Radley College, their boats can be found globally, across British patchwork green and blue but also on the other side of the world in Antipodean quarters.

Australia and New Zealand have long been strongholds for Filippi and their respective national teams frequently turn out at Olympic and World Championship level in white and blue boats.

Melbourne University Boat Club (MUBC), one of the world’s pre-eminent rowing clubs and an iconic fixture in the state of Victoria, have partnered with Filippi and their local representative, Perfect Balance Rowing, for several years. Collectively, they have built a fleet of boats that allows MUBC to function as a designated “High Performance Club”, cooperating with the Victorian Institute of Sport in developing athletes within the Victorian Pathways Program.

To learn more about this special collaboration, JRN spoke with Matt Ryan, 2008 Olympic Silver Medallist, High Performance Coach for MUBC and recipient of the Rowing Australia Pathways Coach of the Year 2021.

What was special about your 2008 crew that won Silver in Beijing?

I would simply say the willingness to work hard and keep things simple. We were all very disappointed not to have been selected into the eight which gave us a lot of drive. We had a short campaign and our coach kept things very simple and on task, not allowing us to focus on anything other than the process.

How long have you been High Performance Coach at Melbourne University Boat Club and how did that first come about?

I have been at the club in this role for about five years now. It really came about by chance. There was a quick turnover of head coaches at the time, so I offered to help out for a season. One become two which became three and here we are! I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and I’ve loved working with the groups I’ve had so far and to be involved in such a historic and supportive club.

How have you seen Melbourne University’s rowing program grow in the time you’ve been there?

I was fortunate enough that when I started there was some great young talent around the school scene who were looking at joining club rowing. Things have really built from there. We had a few selected into the underage teams in 2019 but then obviously Covid slowed things down a little. That’s why it was a great rebound to have had around 12 competing at the U19 and U23 world championships in Varese this year. It’s testament to the work the rowers have put into the past few seasons.

What were the most enjoyable and most challenging moment(s)?

Covid was obviously a battle for everyone around the world. We had a group that really supported one another and continued to push things during this period. We saw it as a great opportunity to better ourselves on the machines. As a result, our most successful nationals came off the back of minimal time on water. It showed the group what’s possible with the right mindset.

What is the overarching strategy for MUBC?

The club is really a place for all ages and abilities. We have high performance, youth, and club rowing. The club events are slowly starting to develop in Australia and hopefully this will boost participation across the country.

What is your overall ambition at MUBC and given where you’re at now, where do you hope to take the program?

Our ambition for the club is to start racing in boats at international regattas like Henley Royal Regatta, Head of the Charles, and other key events. We want to continue to evolve the program and strive to become one of the best clubs in the world.

How have Filippi and Perfect Balance Rowing helped MUBC in supplying boats and support?

Since starting at MUBC I have seen a significant shift in our equipment, and this is largely to do with the vision of our club president Christian Ryan in wanting the world’s best gear for the rowers. This has all been made possible by Perfect Balance Rowing supplying Filippi boats. The Filippi boats speak for themselves but the customer service we receive through the Perfect Balance team is second to none.

How has your relationship with Filippi and Perfect Balance Rowing evolved?

There has been a massive shift across the country with Filippi boats. Perfect Balance has made them extremely accessible for the Australian rowing community. MUBC’s relationship has developed as the club has grown. We were able to start with a small group of rowers and shells and seen this build throughout the past few seasons. I know the Filippi boats make a significant difference to our overall appeal when we’re trying to attract the best young talent to join.

What makes Filippi stand out to you as a top-end boat-builder?

I personally really like the way the boats move through the water. The past few seasons there’s been a real noticeable shift in the boats trim and overall performance. They are extremely responsive and very well finished.

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