Once again, our school took part in this year’s Annual Corporate Rowing Regatta at Hamilton Rowing Club, on the 15th August 2026 this is our third year running.
Our eight crew showed real commitment, teamwork and resilience. Training started at 5:45am most mornings, often in freezing winter conditions and heavy fog. Despite injuries, the crew remained committed to racing as an eight throughout all seven races.
We won four of our seven races, but what stood out most was the way we raced. Every crew member turned up, supported one another and gave their best. There was a real respect for the sport and for each other.
As a sweeping eight, every rower had an important role in maintaining the rhythm, timing and sequencing of the stroke. Jude Smith and Aroha Crombie set the rhythm and pace, Deavon Abrahams and Alex Abrahams helped maintain the rhythm and connection through the middle of the boat. Ben Smith and Raima Turner-Abrahams helped keep the power and timing consistent through each stroke. Silvana Ground and Hannah van Kampen maintained excellent timing and concentration, helping create the calm and smooth movement that became a real strength of our boat.
This performance would not have been possible without our coxswain, Abdullah Esmaeil, who coxed and guided us throughout our early-morning training sessions. A special thank you also to Maddison Kennedy, one of our current rowers, who supported us when we were a man down at training. This made a real difference to our training. We also acknowledge Lia Stowers and Hans Uivel for their encouragement and support throughout our campaign.
Four weeks, 10 training rows and seven races brought eight individuals together as one crew. The result was a boat that looked calm, connected and controlled. Every stroke had purpose, and every rower trusted the person in front and back of them. That connection is what makes rowing such a special sport.
Four wins from seven races is a fantastic result. But the real achievement was seeing this team come together, overcome challenges and bring the best version of themselves to every training session and every race. Well done team.
