STEVE MCALPINE

BBC Rowing Boatman 18 years

While photographing the winning BBC 1st VIII crew coached by Ben Young in 2002, Steve met long term BBC Boatman Barry Green, and the seed was sown for a dream job opportunity. A few years later, Barry's retirement paved the way for Steve to be appointed to the position of BBC's Rowing Boatman in 2005.

Constantly designing solutions for rowing related problems, Steve and a business partner appeared on the ABC program "New Inventors" in 2007, showcasing their invention that has sold across the globe to assist in preventing back injuries while training on rowing ergometers.

From repairing the latest carbon honeycomb hulls to replicating 1950's era leather and brass oar parts for display, Steve is equally at home applying his years of knowledge and experience to maintain the extensive BBC rowing fleet.

His passion, however, is working with the rowers themselves, patiently taking time to teach the boys about the best ways to handle and maintain the rowing equipment, as well as supporting the boys through encouragement.

"I'm inspired by the energy of the boys and their willingness to learn about rowing and how to care for the boats we row. I also love the traditions associated with BBC Rowing," he said.

"My greatest satisfaction, though, is seeing BBC boys enter the program and over the course of their school years watching them develop lifelong friendships and strong bodies through the discipline and hard work that rowing demands."

I would like to add two personal anecdotes about Steve that I believe sum up the man. Firstly, back in 2018 my son was recovering after kneesurgery for a basketball injury, and it was suggested he get on an ergo to rehabilitate. It was further suggested I contact the BBC rowing shed and see if we could borrow an ergo in the off-season. This is when I first met Steve. He was so accommodating, and I think his words were ‘I’ll let you know when I will need it back.’ He didn’t ask for about 18 months! The result of his generosity is that my son got hooked on rowing and the next year made the Yr 10 2nds, winning the HOR that year. He was part of the victorious BBC Open First VIII in back to back wins in 21 and 22, and won a national title in 22 with his crew. Who knows how his story might have turned out without Steve’s kindness, but I firmly believe that my son’s good fortune (apart from hard work and great coaches) was only made possible through the initial care of Steve the BBC Boatman.

The second story sees me walk into the shed during that Yr 10 year to see Steve talking with some other dads. Seeing me, Steve steps out of the group and asks if I have brought my chequebook. Startled, I ask what has happened. Apparently, my son had steered his single scull on the wrong side of the yellow buoy upstream, and had driven it across the rocks, ripping a metre-long gouge in the hull. Seeing my instantly pale visage Steve quietly said, ‘Don’t worry; I can fix it.’ Words couldn’t describe my gratitude. And Steve never said another word about it. So a big personal thanks Steve.

Fittingly, after a Support Group fundraiser in November 2021, BBC purchased a new Sykes 8+ and named it the SB McAlpine in recognition of Steve’s 17 years of outstanding service to BBC rowing.