This article was written before the release of the entry draw due to the late release of supplementary entries.
As we reach the half-way point of the season, we begin to see familiar names amongst the lineups, and this weekend will be no different. Karāpiro Christmas Regatta marks the North Island’s final event before the break. With some clubs holding off attending some recent regattas, it’s entirely possible a wildcard could arise, but for now, here are some familiar faces we can expect to see ahead of the racing this weekend.
Waikato Diocesan School – Angalla Carney
The first name expected to appear in this week’s draw is Waikato Diocesan’s Angalla Carney. Consistent and commanding, her recent performances are a testament to her grit and dedication to her craft. To name only a few, recent wins at Karāpiro Club Regatta saw her just pip teammate Tegan O’Dwyer on the line, to be crowned champion in the women’s Open Single sculls. Her recent international debut enhanced Carney’s racing resume, gifting her on-water experience of which she is already reaping the benefits. Sparing no efforts, the national U18 Single scull title holder has begun her first season with a bang, her sculling performances never slipping below a second-place position. Carney emerges as a favourite for the weekend, where she is likely to face some familiar faces.
Waikato Rowing Club – Tegan O’Dwyer
One such familiar face is Tegan O’Dwyer. Part of the formidable Waikato RC squad, O’Dwyer has seen her fair share of success so far this season. From a win in the Coxless Quadruple sculls at the recent Club Regatta back to a bronze medal for the U18 Single scull at last year’s Maadi Regatta, O’Dywer has demonstrated time and again her valuable contributions to boat movement. Recently, following a fierce back-and-forth with teammate Carney, O’Dywer finished as runner-up a blistering twelfth of a second behind the winner, no doubt fuelling a return this week in hopes of claiming the victory that sits well within her reach.
West End Rowing Club – Holly Chaafe
On top of her dual win in the women’s Open Single events at Kārapiro Memorial Regatta, it is no surprise to see Holly Chaafe amongst this list. Known widely as a top contender in the single, Chaafe has plenty of accolades to her name, including collecting a gold in both the women’s U22 and Senior Single sculls at the New Zealand Rowing Championships back in February. Chaafe also represented Auckland in the recent North Island Interprovincial Regatta, securing a phenomenal five podium finishes for the region. More recently Chaafe established her place as a favourite in this discipline, most notably, at Memorial Regatta with a convincing win over Waikato Diocesan’s Carney. After not attending Club Regatta, Chaafe could be back to reclaim her top sculler title this weekend.
Hamilton Girls High School – Ayla Klein
After seeing an increase in school clubs challenging their athletes in the club level events, there is potential for some of the most capable school rowers to take a chance in the Open category. If any were to have a chance of pushing within the field, I would highlight Alya Klein of Hamilton Girls High School. Though we are yet to see her compete outside the junior events, with times comparable to those being set in the club categories, Klein could very likely hold her own amongst the field if she wished to.
Prediction
Highly expected are Carney and Chaafe to be gunning for the top spots but with not much separating the two’s performances, it could be another hair-splitting finish to determine the winner. Will home-water advantage help Carney seize victory, or can Chaafe extend her undefeated single scull streak?
