Eight masters from the Wanaka Rowing Club (WRC) returned from Saturday’s (February 28) Masters and Juniors Regatta at Oreti River with an impressive haul of medals.

Favourable tide and wind conditions allowed the full programme to be completed in the morning, and WRC crews delivered strong performances against crews from Invercargill, Waihopai, Port Chalmers, and Whakatipu.

Wānaka rower Shane Gibson had a standout day, claiming first place in the Men's Single Sculls and topping the podium again in the Mixed Double Sculls alongside Elizabeth Lampen Smith.

He added another win in the Men's Double Sculls with Chelsea Lodge and secured a third-place finish in the Men's Quad with Chris Menzies, Elizabeth Lampen Smith, and Max Paulin.

The WRC Women’s Double Scull pairing of Lizzie Ritchie and Sandra Read also took out first place, while the Women’s Quad (featuring Lizzie, Sandra, Sandra Binney, and Jo Underwood) finished fourth in its event.

WRC’s junior crews are training hard under head coach Rob Bruce for the upcoming South Island Secondary School Regatta on March 6, which will be followed by the season finale, the Maadi Cup, two weeks later. 

Both events will be held on Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel.

To support their Maadi Cup campaign, junior rowers are running a silent auction and firewood raffle, featuring various prizes kindly donated by local businesses. 

Support the fundraiser here.

PHOTO: WRC