Happy July! This is what we've been up to.
Jackie Gowler: Elite Womens Coxless Four
Jackie has continued her impressive New Zealand representation, being selected in W4- which competed at Lucerne, Switzerland in the 3rd of the World Rowing Cup Series in early July.
Rowing in the three seat of the bow side-stroked boat, Jackie was in a new look combination including Phoebe Spoors (S); Ella Cossill (2); and Davina Waddy (B).
After finishing 4th in their heat, the crew secured the critical 2nd place in the repechage which enabled them to take the final available spot in the A Final, where they gained 5th place.
New Zealand was well represented at this regatta, boating crews in most events which ultimately resulted in three Bronze Medals: Tom Mackintosh in the M1X; Emma Twigg W1X; and the M4-. The World Rowing Champs will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, in early September.
Note: Georgia Nugent-O’Leary continues to build back from her significant injury and did not trial, however her progress is favourable, and she has been participating in the Lake Karapiro Winter Series racing.
Oscar Smith III Christened
Our venerable Life Member Pete Smith had the unique experience of
christening a new boat bearing his name for the third time on 8 July!
The new Laszlo-built double scull was a replacement to the ‘Pete “Oscar” Smith II’, which sadly was written off last season after an on-water collision, before ever racing at a regatta…
Major Club Working Bee
The Club was the subject of a working bee with 25 young and old members attending on Saturday 8 July to give the Club House and exterior a major spruce up.
The activities were organised by Adrian van Bussel and President Tom thanked all those who assisted on the day at the BBQ morning tea provided to keep up the energies.
Thanks also to “A Painters Touch” for scaffolding which enabled Becky Ivory and others to clean the gym ceiling. The much- appreciated loan of a scissor lift from W&W Construction also enabled the high side walls and windows to be water blasted.
Life Members Allan Luff and Tony Upchurch were part of the enthusiastic working bee team and are seen here enjoying a brief respite from their exertions.
RECAP - Whanganui Rowing Winter Series July 2023
A total of 28 boats and waka entered this 6k event which was won by a UBC/Wgtn RC 2- combination, in a time of 25:42, for a prognostic score of 92.56%.
Aramoho Whanganui’s young Intermediate double scull combination of Jake Newton and William Herd completed the course in a faster time but a slightly slower prognostic score of 91.71% for the second placing overall.
The after-match function was held at AWRC. Rebecca Ivory led the smoko team who organised the morning tea which was well received and elicited a comment from Axel Dickinson that it was “the best yet!”
Jake and William celebrating immediately after the race.
Bike Compound
Matt Gilmore (father of Lacy) has undertaken an amazing amount of work with his digger and trailer, removing an estimated 22 tonnes plus of silt which had gathered under the upside river side of our building and transporting same to the far end of our car park.
Thank you, Matt, and to helpers Uppy, Luffy, and Des who assisted with this work, which will ultimately lead to a secure area for bikes to be housed.
Grant From NZCT
Thanks to the work of Barbara and Annie, NZCT have recently provided a substantial grant toward our Director of Rowing costs as well as toward the purchase of a new coxless four/quad.
Our Club is most grateful for this assistance.
Coming Up
Winter Series 6k Race 4 on August 13th. After match at UBC.
Annual General Meeting 28 August – Please note this date as
all members are expected to attend.
