Captains Report: Bennet Shield & EVMR

TGSRC hits Lake Pupuke for first regatta of the season

Last Saturday, the Bennett Shield Regatta took place at Lake Pupuke. Attracting many clubs all over Auckland and totaling almost 800 rowers and 60 coaches, it was a busy and competitive day. The relatively calm water allowed for easy racing along the 900m stretch of the race course. 

The morning kicked off early as crews prepared for the first race at 8:00 in the boat park. The regatta featured various boats ranging from single sculls to eights and various experience levels from novice (first year) to club and open. The first race was the men’s novice octuple sculls where Taka fielded two boats. These first-year rowers in their very first race charged down the course, staying with the pack and finishing 7th and 8th. Another highlight was the Girls U15 Quad where Takapuna came 3rd in Division 1 and won Division 2. The afternoon saw the Girls U18 Quad come second in their race and the Women’s Club Coxed Eight taking out 3rd place. 

There was fierce and competitive racing from all our crews and the day provided invaluable racing experience. Congratulations and great job to everyone who raced and in particular the novices who experienced their first-ever regatta and raced down the course in their yellow caps and TGS row suits for the first time. Also a big shout out to Sam Grant for his first regatta with us as Head Coach and Joanna Gilbert for her first regatta as Club President. 

Following on from our great on-water and off-water successes at Saturday’s Bennett Shield Regatta, Sunday’s Eric Verdonk Memorial Regatta was another great day on Lake Pupuke. With Takapuna crews entering 20 events throughout the day, this provided much excitement for our club members and supporters. Congratulations to everyone who raced, especially our novice rowers who competed in their first regatta. 

The Eric Verdonk Memorial Regatta is a regatta that our club co-runs alongside the West End Rowing Club and North Shore Rowing Club to commemorate the late Eric Verdonk. Eric Verdonk was an inspiring rower and mentor and had a special connection to Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club when he joined as our Head Coach in 2017. With an Olympic Bronze and multiple national titles to his name, Eric’s knowledge and talent was a key pillar in the success of our club from 2017 until his passing in 2020. 

Over the day, we had seven top 3 finishes in Division 1 races. With special mention to our U15 girls and U16 boys for finishing top 3 in both the double and quadruple scull events. Additionally, we also marked the first time in TGSRC history that our club has rowed three senior eights at a regatta. Both our U18 men’s eights finished 3rd in Divisions 1 and 2, while our U18 women’s eight finished a close 5th place in Division 1. 

16 of our athletes were also presented with their PRIDE shirts. A PRIDE shirt is given to recognise the senior athletes who have been in our club for at least two seasons. The PRIDE shirt represents our club values- Partnership, Respect, Involvement, Development, and Excellence, the senior wearers are to demonstrate these values on and off the water and model the club expectations.