George Edwin Whelch (December 1879 – 6 October 1960) was one of six New Zealand oarsman who attempted to win the World Professional Single Sculls title.
His first professional race, for the Australian title, was in Newcastle, Australia, against Ben Thoroughgood who won by three lengths despite a game attempt by Whelch to overtake him.
Both Whelch and Fogwell had been associated as training partners with William Webb and Richard Arnst respectively during the earlier Whanganui races for the World Championship.
When the race did finally get underway Whelch gained the initial advantage but Arnst was able to overcome the deficit and went on to win easily.
The club instigated the Arnst/Whelch Memorial Trophy, which consists of a miniature single sculls boat and oars made of copper, mounted on a granite base and all enclosed in a glass and rimu case.