Due to supplementary entries still being open, 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.
Waikato Diocesan School
Waikato Diocesan’s U18 eight is a crew that exemplifies youthful talent and competitive drive, poised for a strong showing at the Christmas Regatta. Key rowers Maclaine Stuart and Angalla Carney bring experience and determination to the boat. Stuart has previously raced for the North Island team, where she won all her events. Furthermore, last year at this regatta, she showcased her grit by competing as a U16 in the U18 eight, still finishing fourth. Carney, another North Island representative, is no stranger to high-stakes racing, having moved from the East Coast after an impressive second-place finish in the U17 Single and a sixth-place finish in the U18 Single, where she raced up an age group. These two athletes provide a foundation of skill and resilience that sets their crew apart.
Coached to capitalize on a powerful middle segment, Dio’s rowing style focuses on building a strong, sustainable rhythm after the start. This tactic aligns with their historical approach but has occasionally left them vulnerable at the beginning of races, as seen last season. However, recent results indicate that they are refining their execution. At the KRI Club Regatta only weeks ago, they dominated in this event, with both their first and second crews taking the top two spots, a testament to their depth of talent. They also finished a competitive fourth in the open eight event, racing against international representatives. Notably, this year’s crew is predominantly made up of U17 rowers, signalling that this team has both immediate promise and long-term potential.
While they won’t face traditional southern rivals like Rangi Ruru or St. Margaret’s at the Christmas Regatta, Waikato Dio’s rivalry with Westlake Girls’ High School will provide an exciting match-up. Their legacy as one of the top-performing rowing schools in New Zealand fuels their ambition. With the second-most gold medals at the Maadi Cup over the last decade, this squad is no stranger to success, and their three girls’ eight Maadi Cup victories highlight their pedigree. The school’s ability to consistently produce high-caliber crews places them as strong contenders, with an eye on securing another national title. At the Christmas Regatta, this crew has the talent and determination to not only contend but to inspire confidence in their quest for future glory.
Westlake Girls’ High School
Westlake‘s U18 Eight is gearing up for a thrilling showdown at the Christmas Regatta, showcasing a crew led by standout rowers Charlotte Mawstone and Maeve Lockett. Mawstone, who raced with distinction for both the Auckland Open Women’s team and the North Island team, secured two wins out of three races at the regional level. Lockett adds to the crew’s strength with her impressive top-three finishes in multiple races for the Auckland Open Women’s team. Together, these athletes bring experience and determination to a crew that thrives on pushing their limits and competing fiercely.
Westlake’s coaching staff emphasizes a high-tempo, sprint-oriented style, teaching their rowers to maintain a rapid stroke rate and leverage their strong aerobic conditioning for sustained performance. Known for quick starts, the crew can challenge any competitor by gaining an early advantage, and their ability to hold rhythm under pressure makes them formidable. They’ll be looking to test Waikato Dio and other top crews, including Baradene College, in what promises to be an exciting race.
Performance trends show that Westlake is on the rise. At the Bennett Shield Regatta, they convincingly won both the open eight and the U18 eight, demonstrating their ability to dominate against quality opposition. However, at their most recent regatta, they focused on pairs and fours instead, securing strong finishes in both the open and U18 events. Their prior Maadi Cup campaign saw them make the A-final in the girls’ U18 eight, holding their own in the early stages of the race before falling back in the second half. This history highlights their potential and the adjustments needed to contend for higher honours.
As a school, Westlake Girls’ rowing program has a legacy of competitiveness, with two Maadi Cup victories in the eight. They come into the Christmas Regatta as underdogs, but their sprinting prowess and depth of talent make them a wild card in what could be a tightly contested race. While Waikato Dio might hold the edge, Westlake has the capability to upset expectations, proving once again that anything is possible on race day.
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