Local championships kick off 2025-26 rowing season

Peter Jones

Hunter Marfell gives a thumbs-up as his Wairau four come into the beach after their final. His crewmates, from left, are Zac Jenkins, Logan Flight and Aidan Bennett. Photos Peter Jones.

The 2025-26 rowing season began in fine style over the weekend, with the staging of the annual Marlborough Rowing Championships.

Rowers from various clubs put their early season fitness to the test on the unique and demanding Wairau River course, starting at the Wairau Rowing Club and finishing in front of the Blenheim Rowing Club. With boat classes ranging from novice to masters, there was opportunities for young and old to shake off the cobwebs.

MGC rower Maisie Shenfield at the completion of her race.

A large contingent of athletes from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges, rowing under the Wairau banner, got in some invaluable time on the water before heading into their respective campaigns, which will be capped by a trip to the prestigious Maadi Cup in March next year.

Olympian Robbie Manson competed in a quad alongside Aidan Bennett, Zac Jenkins and Logan Flight. Photo Wendy Lindstrom.

A highlight for young Wairau rowers Zac Jenkins, Logan Flight and Aidan Bennett was the opportunity to race in a quad alongside former Olympian Robbie Manson, still holder of the world’s fastest time for a single sculler over 2000m.

The finishing line crew of, from left, Brian Hutchison, Willie Parker and Mark Nelson had a busy couple of days.
Max Skehan and Zach Field from the Wairau intermediate four carry their skiff back to the boat park.

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