The regatta at Lake Ruataniwha had attracted 1169 rowers when registrations closed this week, 22 more than last year, which was also a record. While there were factors that could cause that figure to change, Otago Rowing Association manager Michelle Carroll said there was a good chance the number would remain above last year’s.
"We often have a few changes because people might have scratchings and things like that," she said.
"But even with that, we’ve got higher numbers than we started with last year, so even if a few drop out, we’ll still have more . . . "
Rowers from around the South Island would compete at the regatta, although the majority would come from Otago and Canterbury. Carroll said there were several factors which contributed to the increasing popularity of the event.
"A few years ago they changed it from January to December and I think that kind of helps, because people are just getting into the season. The big stuff kind of happens next year at nationals and Maadi and all that. So it’s a really good start to the season and to get up to Lake Ruataniwha, particularly for novices and all that, it’s quite a big deal," Carroll said.
"They get a practice run in a bigger stetting — more professional, I guess. So it’s good for the local ones to have a bit of practice for what it’s going to be like at the really big events."
The association also did its best to keep costs down.
Among the notable Otago entrants were New Zealand under-23 representative Bryce Abernethy and Maadi Cup champion Veronica Wall, who has won the single sculls in three different age-groups.
