RE: spring regatta

 PHOTO Natalie Hill comes in 4^th in the time trail after 3 boys singles.

PHOTO Girls quad ( time trial) ; Coxn; Chelsie Thomas, Lea Kreutmayer,  Alie Henderson Corporal, Sofia Morrell, Meg Aitchison
Boys quad ( time trial); Hamish Schnuriger,  Kobe Anthony,  Sam Park,  Nick Piebenga , Coxn; Kane Wenmoth
  First time in New Zealand rowing.

The Karapiro Spring Regatta tested a first in format last weekend -geared for fun and fluidity. Each rower rowed the same boat three times. Each skiff class hit the line in the equivalent of a sailing start…rowing across the line with their ‘start’ time recorded at 100 metres. The first race was a time trial. The single sculls set off, 6-8 across(?) and at 30 second intervals. The second race was against boats with similar times regardless of type. Doubles were racing eights, quads and fours with similar times. From this the front runner boats went up a heat and the last boat went down a heat for the finals. The racing became very competitive against crews with similar ability.
  “The highlight for me was to see the boy’s senior coxless quad race against the WHHS eight,” said Rotorua Rowing Club President Glen Reichardt
“with neither crew wanting to concede defeat and both displaying a superb display of very fast and disciplined racing.” The quad won by a very small margin.
   “ Rotorua novice boys and girls did very well, with one boys crew making the 5th fastest final and four novice boys being part of the eight that contested the 'A' final. All crews displayed good boat speed and fitness for this time of the season” said Head Coach Alastair Riddle.

The regatta is being trailed at the beginning of the season to see how it measured up “We think it’s a good format and hope that it will be repeated at other informal regattas” said Coach Riddle

“- it provides even match ups with close racing.”