Rowers battle strong winds at the Karapiro Memorial Regatta

28 Nov 2017

Tuesday 28 November 2017

Our rowers took part in the weekend Karapiro Memorial Regatta from 18-19 November where they raced more than 2000 metres.

171129 Rowers Battle Strong Winds At The Karapiro Memorial Regatta

While racing was limited due to inclement weather, the King’s team seized the opportunity to introduce the novices to race day preparation, as well as practice racing in adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, due to worsening weather conditions, the regatta was called off by midday Sunday.

Despite the cancellation, the team achieved excellent results in both the heats and the Girls A final.

“The weekend brought the team together as a whole, and we were able to take a lot away despite the lack of racing,” says Head of Rowing, Peter Jansen. “The team is in eager anticipation for the next regatta in two weeks’ time.”

Karapiro Memorial Regatta overview

Girls heats:

The girls raced extremely well despite the very windy conditions on the lake. Though high winds forced the cancellation of the regatta, it was great to see the training hours spent on the windy Tamaki Estuary had prepared them well for the conditions.

The Girls Intermediate doubles and Club doubles both qualified for their finals on Sunday where they finished seventh and third respectively. Sarah Dolan (Year 12, Middlemore) and Rose Arymoricz raced in the Intermediate doubles whilst Hannah Caddie (Year 11, Middlemore) and Annie Williamson (Year 11, Taylor) raced in the Club doubles.

The Novice double sculls duo Emma Howe (Year 11, Taylor) and Gloria Hawkins-Roberts (Year 11, Taylor) won their heat and qualified for the A final. Unfortunately for them the regatta was cancelled before they got an opportunity to race their final.

In the Intermediate single sculls Hannah and Sarah placed third and fourth to secure their place in the A final. Unfortunately, the regatta was called off before they got an opportunity to race their final. Rose Arymoricz did well to place sixth in her heat, racing single sculls for the first time while in very tricky conditions.

Senior Boys heats:

The Senior boys started well, winning the Boys Under 18s, Mens Intermediate and Novice double sculls events with notable results in other heats and events.

The Under 18s quad sculls made up of Thomas Hall (Year 11, Major), Sam Cummins (Year 12, Averill), Matthew Caro (Year 12, Greenbank) and Sam Brewer (Year 11, Major)led the charge winning their heat comfortably. Sam went on to win his Under 18s single sculls and Matt the same in his Under 18s single sculls. Matt and Sam then teamed up to win their Under 18s double sculls heat.

Also pleasing was a fantastic race from Thomas who came second in his Under 18s single scull heat, beating Hamilton Boys High School.

Maxwell Brady (Year 11, Peart) and Max Webb (Year 10, St John’s) also achieved a great result, winning their Mens Novice double sculls heat.

Charles Cave (Year 11, Selwyn) together with Isaac Gilbert performed superbly to win their heat in the Boys Intermediate double sculls.

Novices heats:

The Karapiro Memorial Regatta marked the first opportunity for this year’s novice squad to visit the mighty Lake Karapiro. Between the 26 boys, there was a great deal of excitement and nerves on the Friday of travel. Unfortunately, only 11 of the group managed to race because of the strong winds.

“I am delighted with the performances of the team both on and off the water. Special accolades were given to the King’s team by the Chief Umpire and regatta officials for the way in which our athletes proactively helped crews to get off the water when the regatta was called off,” says Peter Jansen.