Due to supplementary entries still being open for this event, JRN does not have the official draw for Christmas Regatta 2024; however, here are some crews which, based on past performances and current information, we expect to enter and perform well in this event.
Westlake Boys High School
Westlake Boys’ eight is poised to significantly impact the Christmas Regatta U18 eight field, continuing their tradition as one of New Zealand’s premier rowing schools. Known for their strong history in sweep rowing, the school has consistently fielded competitive crews across multiple events. The current eight is anchored by standout rowers George Langley and Jack Buckley, whose leadership and experience have been pivotal to the crew’s development. Langley, a reliable performer throughout his school career, represented the Auckland Open team last year, placing second in all his events. Buckley, a member of both the North Island and Auckland Open teams, achieved a clean sweep of victories in his races, showcasing an unprecedented level of talent and competitiveness. Together, they lead a crew that combines strength, technical precision, and leadership, rowing with a long, efficient stroke that capitalizes on the boat’s mix of size.
Westlake’s recent performances highlight their momentum. At the Bennett Shield Regatta, they convincingly won both the boys’ U18 eight as well as the open eight. Their success continued at the KRI Club Regatta, where they finished third in the open eight against far older, more experienced crews, including Maadi Cup-winning and National representing athletes. Additionally, they further showcased their versatility by winning the U18 four and the U18 pair, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in sweep rowing in 2024. These results demonstrate their ability to compete across multiple categories against seasoned competitors, positioning them as clear favourites in their age group and strong contenders in open events.
As a school, Westlake Boys carries a proud legacy, having won the prestigious Maadi Cup three times (1976, 1983, 1984). This tradition of excellence drives their current rowers, who are eager to secure a fourth title for their school. Heading into the Christmas Regatta, they face fierce competition from rivals such as Hamilton Boys’ High School and St Peter’s College, promising thrilling matchups on the water. With Jo Shotter, a national-level coach who has led the many New Zealand U19 teams, and the crew’s recent standout performances, the squad are well-positioned to win the U18 Eight while also likely fielding a strong showing in other events. They remain one of the standout crews to watch this season.
St Peter’s College
St Peter’s enters the Christmas Regatta with a growing reputation as a serious contender in the U18 eight, bolstered by their recent success and rising program. The crew is spearheaded by standout rowers Benjamin Davison and Arthur Yeoward, both of whom have earned spots on representative teams. Davison competed alongside Westlake rowers in the Auckland Open team last year, placing second in all his events. Now racing against those same competitors, he brings valuable experience and a competitive edge. Yeoward, a dual representative for the Auckland Open and North Island teams, secured two wins out of three races, further solidifying his status as a leader in the boat. Together, they form the backbone of a crew that thrives on determination and grit.
St Peter’s has traditionally been known for its strength in sculling, but in recent years, they have shifted focus toward sweeping, a change that has yielded impressive results. Their bold, high-risk “fly or die” strategy at last year’s Maadi Cup saw them leading the boys’ U18 eight at the halfway mark, ultimately securing an unexpected and celebrated third-place finish. This fearless approach has become their hallmark, and while they are not favourites heading into the regatta, they have demonstrated the ability to upset more established crews. Their rivalry with Westlake Boys and King’s College School is particularly heated, with recent showdowns adding intensity to an already competitive dynamic.
Recent performances indicate that St Peter’s is a team on the rise. Last year’s Maadi Cup was one of their best yet, with podium finishes in both the boys’ U18 and U17 eights, as well as a win in the U18 quad. This season, they opened fiercely by racing in the open eight, narrowly missing out on bronze by a single second at their first major regatta. While their start was not optimal, the result highlights their capacity to push top crews and adapt.
With their bold rowing style, developed by Samuel Jackson, an experienced rowing coach and head of Auckland Rowing’s winter program as well as a skilled technician, the crew demonstrates both power and precision on the water. A program hitting its stride, St Peter’s is poised to make a statement at the Christmas Regatta. If they can refine their start and channel the same fearlessness that brought them success last year, they are well within range to contend for a victory against their established rivals. Their underdog story and rapid ascent in sweeping rowing make them a crew to watch.
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