New Zealand Masters Championships, karapiro Sep 2026

Written By Cordelia Kerr

Wind, WERC and Plenty of Bling

A small crew made a big impression at Masters Nationals on 19-20 Sept. A squad of seven headed away for the weekend: five of our masters women, Jo, Helen, Gabrielle, Susan and Club Captain Amy (who was back on the water and nailing it after an injury break); Ian, representing para and inclusion; and coach Al, who also took on the roles of chief supporter, technical expert, photographer and jelly snake supplier, and clocked up some 60,000 steps!

The conditions certainly kept things interesting, with wind gusts reaching up to 70km/h mid-race, whitecaps on the water and plenty sloshing in the boats on the way up to the course. Trying to hold a boat steady at the start in lane 9 without a boat holder, while being blown sideways, was certainly an experience. Our masters rowers can only say it was a lot of fun! And the results were that much more rewarding!

A great weekend of racing, teamwork and good WERC vibes, with plenty of bling to show for it.

Results:

  • GOLD - WE1x Jo Mackay

  • GOLD - Mixed A-C8+ Amy Robson coxing Union Boat Club

  • SILVER - WA1x Amy

  • SILVER - WD4x Jo, Helen Twose, Gabrielle Gatt, Susan Sawbridge

  • BRONZE - WD2x Jo and Gabrielle

  • BRONZE - WC1x Gabrielle

  • BRONZE - Para 1x Ian Winson

  • BRONZE - Inclusion 2x Ian and Susan

Cordelia Kerr
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