2017 New Zealand Masters Championships
The 2017 New Zealand Masters Championships are being held at Lake Ruataniwha this weekend and will see competitors from 17 clubs race in 152 events across the 11 age categories. This year has smaller entries than in previous years, but the forecast is looking favourable and any signs of last weekend’s snow have disappeared except for on the surrounding hills making for a picturesque backdrop for the annual Masters showdown. The strong winds which were also forecasted are due to pass through for the start of racing Saturday morning.
The regatta is broken up to 8 blocks - with blocks 1-4 held on Saturday, blocks 5-8 on Sunday. Heats are held first for each block with the subsequent finals run in order for that same block. Mixed Events are being run as divisions only with medals awarded to all the place-getters in each division.
Masters rowing is open to rowers 27 years of age and older. Rowers race in age categories starting at 'A' for those with a minimum age of 27. The categories continue through to 'K' for crews with an average age of 85 years or more - the oldest competitor at the 2017 event is 77 years of age.
Check out https://www.rowit.co.nz/nzmm2017/results for the latest results or follow Rowing NZ on Facebook for all the action.