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 clubs which, based on past performances and current information, we expect to enter and perform well in this event.
Macleans College
The Macleans College U18 quad approaches the Christmas Regatta as a dark horse, ready to turn heads with their technical precision. The crew, led by Nathan Strachan, whose experience includes representing the Auckland Open Men’s and North Island teams, brings a wealth of rowing expertise to the event. Strachan’s leadership, combined with the crew’s disciplined approach, forms a strong foundation for their push toward the top ranks in this fiercely competitive field.
The crew benefits from the guidance of veteran coach Allan Vester, who has emphasized a technically precise and efficient rowing style. This approach is particularly suited to high-pressure races, where precision and composure are essential. Macleans has built a reputation for their ability to remain calm and focused during the critical middle sections of races, a trait that could prove decisive against the deep talent pool at this regatta. Their power and adaptability are sharpened by training on Auckland’s Tamaki River, where the ever-changing conditions demand a Focus on technical efficiency. Under Vester’s leadership, the crew has honed their ability to maximize their performance in challenging conditions, adding an extra layer of confidence to their campaign.
This season, Macleans has delivered moments of brilliance, most notably with a commanding win in the U18 Quad at the Bennett Shield Regatta. While illness prevented them from competing at KRI Club Regatta, their close fourth-place finish in the U18 doubles at the same venue underscores their ability to perform in tightly contested races. Facing strong rivals such as St. Peter’s Cambridge, and Whakatane, the Christmas Regatta promises an open and unpredictable contest. As an emerging sculling powerhouse, the squad brings both strategic strengths and recent form to the table, making them a genuine contender. In a field so closely matched, their calculated approach and ability to seize opportunities could well define the outcome.
Whakatāne Boys High School
The Whakatāne U18 quad boasts a strong lineup, headlined by Ash Schutz and Travis Talpos, who both represented the North Island in the prestigious North vs South Regatta and competed for the Bay of Plenty at the Interprovincial Championships. Their experience and chemistry make them key members of a crew that has shown significant promise. Guided by Graham Watt, a coach renowned for fostering explosive starts and high-intensity rowing, the crew has developed a distinctive style. They combine raw power with technical precision, emphasizing sculling fundamentals, which have become the cornerstone of their program.
This season, Whakatāne has demonstrated their potential at key regattas, particularly excelling at the Karapiro Club Regatta. They clinched victory in the U18 double sculls and placed second in the club event, proving they can hold their own against more established crews. Their ability to adapt to conditions, such as the tailwind at Karapiro last weekend, has further cemented their status as a competitive outfit. Moving back into the quad, they stand out as a fast-starting, no-holds-barred crew, defined by their explosive power and unrelenting sprinting ability. Historically, Whakatāne has performed strongly in junior sculling events, including two Maadi Cup wins in the Boys’ U18 Quad, which reflects the depth and quality of their program.
Rivalries with Macleans and King’s College School promise to add excitement to their racing, particularly at the Christmas Regatta. While they may not be considered favourites, Whakatāne has consistently shown they can challenge top crews when it counts. Their mix of youth, talent, and a well-rounded sculling program positions them as a serious contender in a closely matched field, with the potential to surprise on the day.
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