Cambridge in autumn really is something special – golden trees, crisp air, and that soft light that makes Karapiro water look like it’s posing for a postcard. With a backdrop like that, how could the rowing be anything but brilliant?

We can safely say we did ourselves proud. There were medals, there were near‑misses, and in race after race we were right in the mix – often only a second or two from climbing another spot. That’s proper racing. Some of us even improved our ability to stay in our own lane!

The standout moment for me was the long‑distance event (6.7k). We held off North Shore women all the way down the course, only for them to slip past right in the last metres of the race. And here’s the kicker: we did it with only seven rowers after a seat broke at the 1k mark. Seven. In a long‑distance race. That’s grit.

What got us through was our fitness, determination, teamwork, and a cox who kept his head and had a great race strategy. Huge credit to Isaac for staying cool, steering a great course, calling it smart, and pushing us right to the finish.

And of course, none of this happens without our coaches. They had us prepped, tuned, and ready to race. I suspect they’re already scheming up the next steps so we can lift things another notch for Nationals. Their planning, patience, and ability to turn enthusiasm into on water skills and confidence is a massive part of why we’re moving in the right direction.

A weekend of heart, teamwork, fun and laughter and WRC spirit – exactly what Masters rowing should feel like.

Prize-giving: The Official and the… Less Official

The formal prize-giving gave us a chance to acknowledge the regatta’s standout performances – the medals, the margins, the grit, and the glory. But the real entertainment came later, when the squad held its own informal awards ceremony, celebrating the quirks, chaos, and comedy that make rowing regattas unforgettable.

Here are the categories that earned a special place in squad history:

• Rigging Queens. For those who can put a rigger on backwards, frontwards and still have it in the wrong place. Vivienne and Deirdre
• Earned His Wings. For the rower at their first regatta and who needs a bit of support if they ever fell in the water. Big T
• Egg Racer. For the most eggs-peeled in one sitting. Lynda D
• Pit Crew. For the legend who can put together an eight in record time, and can fix anything with a screw or electrical tape. Derek
• Golden Cheeks. Does size matter? We’re not sure, but 5XL is definitely unforgettable. Big T and LJ
• Seafood. For catching the most crabs with style. Jacinda
• Hip Thrust. For… well, you know but in public while waiting for coffee (is there no shame?). Big T and Myles
• Fashionista. For rapid en route runway‑ready retail therapy. Helen
• Fastest and Fabulous F Crew. Speed and fabulousness in equal measure along with no ‘F’s’ to give. The Women’s F 8+
• Twinning. For the duo who dressed, rowed, or behaved like synchronized clones, so much so we can’t tell them apart. Deb and Maria S
• Cool Under Pressure. For the cox who doesn’t miss a stroke. Isaac
• Flamingos on a Booze Cruise. Elegance, chaos, and questionable balance. All of us with new shades
• Biggest Pile of Bling. For the medal magpies who need help carrying all that bling. Isaac and the new Masters
• Energizer Bunnies. For the most races in one day. Kristy, Brad, Myles
• Squad Manicurist. For keeping hands race‑ready and photo‑worthy. Joy
• Strength and Resilience. For never giving up when everything goes wrong. Ellie

Lynda Jelbert

 

Article added: Tuesday 02 June 2026