Wānaka Rowing Club sent a squad of 17 developing juniors and seven masters to the Meridian Otago Champs, held at Lake Ruataniwha, this month (December 14-15).

There were 1,157 competitors racing, and the weather on Saturday presented challenging conditions for all, but the Wānaka Rowing Club made 11 A finals and seven B finals - with some notable performances.

Wānaka junior rowers competed in the 2,000m - one of the most physically demanding efforts in the world of sport, with Pieta Craig making the A final in the Girls’ U18 single sculls, joined by Chantel Thurston for A Final in the Girls’ U18 Double Sculls.

The novice boys crew of Douglas Wise, Lachlan Hay, MacKenzie Hay, and Tyler Gawn, coxed by Emily Hunt, had a successful regatta making A Finals in both Men’s Novice Quad and Four.

A highlight of the weekend was seeing Emma Throne, Milly Stuart, Chantel Thurston, and Casey Howard, coxed by Emily Hunt, win their B Final Women’s Novice coxed four by clear water.

Many junior rowers raced singles for their first time and competed well, while Wānaka assistant coaches Annie Wells and Philip Massey helped rowers on and off the water. 

Chelsea Lodge and Vic Schutte took out the Women’s Masters Double Sculls and were then joined by Sandra Read and Kirsty Moran for another win in the Women’s Masters Four.

The Women’s Masters Quad Sculls of Vic Schutte, Kirsty Moran, Sandra Read, and Lizzie Ritchie placed a very close second to Union Rowing Club.

Coach Angus Todd teamed up with club captain Tristan Hughes to place fourth in the Men’s Masters Double Sculls.

Wānaka Rowing Club junior crews are now fundraising to get to the MAADI Cup, Karapiro, in March. If anyone is looking for a fit and motivated work crew to do yard and property work, please contact: [email protected]. 

PHOTO: Supplied