News

Shawnigan Regatta

Success on the water

More than 600 athletes from Vancouver Island and the lower mainland took part in the 56th annual Shawnigan Lake Regatta, May 12, 13 and 14.
 
Although the wind conditions were very favourable, rain fell intermittently all weekend, heavy at times, meaning West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park quickly turned into a mud pit as rowers walked their boats to and from the water.
 
The rain did not dampen spirits though, as many Shawnigan crews raced to impressive results over the three days.  Many of the infamous "hockey girls" were back in an eight with two weeks of training under their belts after the Brentwood Regatta.  The girls raced very well, coming away with a third-place finish in the Junior A JV 8+ event.  There were a number of second and third place finishes this weekend from Shawnigan crews including the Junior A Women 4+ (Shawnigan had two entries), second place in the Junior B Novice Women 4x+, second in the Junior A Women 8+.  Kyle F. raced very well in the Junior A Men 1x event, placing sixth in the final as the first Shawnigan crew ever to qualify for that final. The Junior Boys raced a very competitive Jr B 2x final, placing 5th, and many other Shawnigan students raced 2000 meters for the very first time. 
 
The Junior Girls were the talk of the regatta, placing very well even against Junior A crews, as their events were combined to create a more competitive racing environment. The Junior Girls finished the regatta with gold medals in the Junior B 8+, 4+, and JV 4+.  There is a lot of excitement moving forward into the CSSRA national championships in Ontario, June 2-4th. 
 
Head of Rowing, Mr Colin Mattock, would like to thank all the parents, staff, and members of the rowing community for volunteering their time to help ensure this regatta was a success. Despite the wet and cold conditions, the regatta ran on time - very rare for any regatta!
 
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.