Wellington Rowing Club has honoured two club legends by naming boats after Nina Brown and Richard May.

Nina came to rowing through her daughters, Georgia and Emilia, who rowed for Samuel Marsden. What began as a parent's support quickly became a deep personal commitment to the sport and to WRC.

Nina has rowed competitively in the Masters squad for many years, and in 2015 became Club President, holding the role for four years. Under her leadership, the club won more than 20 medals at the club National Championships, grew its membership significantly, navigated a major constitutional review, and secured over $176,000 in grants for earthquake strengthening of the clubhouse. She went on to serve as Club Captain, earning the WRA Volunteer of the Year award in 2018. It is entirely fitting that a coaching boat bears her name.

Richard May's connection with WRC stretches back to 1962, when he joined the very first Onslow College rowing programme under the legendary Jack Collins, training from the club's original site.

Returning to WRC in 2015 after 35 years away, Richard threw himself back into club life with remarkable energy. He has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the club, established the WRC Alumni Group and the Scholarship Fund, and remains a fierce competitor at masters regattas well into his late 70s. Known affectionately as "Noddy," it is only right that our new double/pair carries his name on the water he has loved for six decades.

Congratulations and thank you, Nina and Richard.

Article added: Tuesday 09 June 2026