A squad of sixteen masters from Wānaka Rowing Club attended the South Island Masters 2025 Rowing Championships, hosted by CURE Boating Club on Lake Kaniere near Hokitika, during ANZAC weekend.

Good conditions prevailed over two days of highly competitive long distance and 1km racing with Victoria Schutte passing a rower from Avon to win gold in the Women’s Single Sculls 1km, and Marlee O’Keefe placing third. 

The mixed masters coxless quad sculls - comprising Tristan Hughes, Alanna Brett, Sandra Read and Shane Gibson - brought home gold in their 1km final with a time of 4.34, crossing the line some 17 seconds ahead of Blenheim and Avon, who finished in second and third respectively.

Wānaka Rowing Club president Ian Boserio - who won the men’s masters double sculls in a composite crew with Ryan Lock (Picton) - praised the camaraderie.

“Rowing is a sport for all ages that fosters deep friendships,” he said.

The squad members said it was not just bringing home medals that made the regatta a success, citing many personal goals met and old rowing partnerships reunited in composite crews. 

The Wānaka Rowing Club Masters squad 2025.

The annual regatta moves around the country and next year will be held at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park. 

PHOTOS: Supplied