Once the season starts and regattas commence, use the websites are:
Rowit - www.rowit.co.nz. This website has all the regatta information and results on it. You can search for your son’s name, event or for the school’s name - for all info on when races will be.
Ruataniwha Regattas can be live-streamed on South Island Rowing on YouTube
Karapiro Regattas can be live-streamed on Rowingnz
Links to click on to take you to the above websites:
Travel Dates: Travel for regattas is normally 1 day either side of event dates. Those travelling to the NZ Rowing Champs and Maadi Cup will leave approximately 3 – 4 days prior to the events.
*Only selected senior rowers/coxswains will attend these regattas (NZ Champs if in Twizel in alternate years). Rowers/Coxswains travelling to Maadi Cup will be confirmed in mid-January.
Venue: Wairau Rowing Club, Blenheim
Date: 29th - 30th November 2025
Rowsuit: Wairau
The Marlborough Championships are an important early-season regatta for rowing in the region, bringing together local clubs and schools to compete on home waters. It provides a valuable opportunity for crews to gain race experience, test new combinations, and begin building confidence as the season gets underway.
Marlborough Champs is often the first chance for novice rowers to experience regatta racing, learn the routines of race day, and understand what it means to compete as part of a crew. It also allows coaches to assess progress and set performance goals as the squad moves into the larger South Island and national events.
Venue: Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel
Date: 17th-18th January 2026
Rowsuit: Wairau
The Canterbury Championships are one of the major regattas on the South Island rowing calendar and attract strong competition from clubs and schools across the region. The regatta is a key development milestone for crews as it takes racing to the next level, often featuring faster fields and a more intense race environment.
For MBC crews, Canterbury Champs provides a valuable opportunity to refine race strategies, strengthen crew cohesion, and build resilience under pressure. It also gives rowers exposure to travelling and competing away from home, which is an important part of preparing for the busy regatta season ahead.
Venue: Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel
Date: 30th January - 2nd February 2026
Rowsuit: Wairau
The South Island Club Championships are a major event for club rowing and bring together crews from rowing clubs across the South Island. Racing is highly competitive and includes athletes of all ages, with many crews using the regatta as a stepping stone toward national-level competition later in the season.
During this part of the season, MBC rowers compete under Wairau Rowing Club colours, reflecting the strong partnership between the school programme and the local club.
Venue: Lake Karapiro, Cambridge
Date: 18th - 21st February 2026
Rowsuit: Wairau
The New Zealand Rowing Championships is the premier national regatta for club rowing in New Zealand. It attracts the country’s top athletes and clubs, and is regarded as the highest level of domestic competition. The regatta is a highlight of the summer rowing calendar and includes a wide range of events across multiple boat classes.
For senior MBC rowers, NZ Rowing Champs provides an opportunity to race at an elite level and gain exposure to the standards required for representative rowing. It is also an important environment for athletes to develop mental toughness and professionalism, as the regatta is run at a high intensity and is often a key pathway toward national squad selection.
Venue: Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel
Date: 6th - 8th March 2026
Rowsuit: MBC
The South Island Secondary Schools Championships is one of the major school rowing regattas in the season and features strong competition from schools across the South Island. This regatta is a key benchmark event, giving crews the chance to race against other top secondary school programmes and measure progress as Maadi Cup approaches.
At this stage of the season, MBC rowers compete under Marlborough Boys’ College colours, representing the school with pride. SISS Champs is an important opportunity for crews to fine-tune race plans, build confidence in their performance, and gain momentum heading into the most significant regatta of the year.
Venue: Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel
Date: 23rd - 29th March 2026
Rowsuit: MBC
The official name of the event is the New Zealand Secondary School Championships, but it is widely known as the Maadi Cup, named in honour of New Zealand soldiers who returned from World War II. The Maadi Cup has become the premier trophy for school rowing in New Zealand, awarded to the winning Boys Under-18 Eight. Consequently, "Maadi Cup" has become synonymous with the National School Rowing Championships.
This event is the largest high school sporting competition in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 2,100 athletes from 120 schools across New Zealand. The championships alternate annually between Lake Karapiro in Cambridge and Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel.
Below is a list of all the gear everyone will require at camps and regattas. In addition, all boys should travel in the designated ‘uniform’ as outlined by the coaches.
Items in bold need to be packed in their day bag for the van.
Please ensure that ALL items are named.
Row suit
Sleeping bag & pillow
Bottom sheet for bed
Thermal or long-sleeve skin tops
Sunglasses
Cap and a beanie
2 towels
Sunblock and insect repellent
Any medications needed (to be handed in to Camp Manager)
Running shoes
Camp shoes - scuffs or jandals
Warm clothes and a change of clothes for the duration of the camp
At least 2 drink bottles
Cards/board games
10 & 13mm spanners
Dry bag - to go in the van to the lake each day
Jacket
Toiletries
Snacks (healthy)
Optional: Money or debit card for snacks during travel to and from regattas and camps
Rowers and coxswains travelling with the MBC Rowing Club represent themselves, the Club, our sponsors, the sport of rowing, and the wider community while attending regattas and events.
The MBC Rowing Club aims to project an image that reflects pride, professionalism, and respect. Therefore, all athletes representing the Club are expected to uphold the following standards from the point of departure until returning home.
I agree to abide by the Code of Conduct – Rowers & Coxswains.
I will follow the decisions and instructions of the Coaches, Regatta Manager, and Camp Parents, including set times for rest, sleep, and lights out.
I will wear MBC Rowing Club and/or school uniform with pride, and I will wear the uniform of the day as directed by coaches.
I will display excellent manners and responsible behaviour at all times. I will be courteous and respectful to drivers, coaches, the Regatta Manager, and Camp Parents. I will be polite to accommodation staff and other guests, and respectful towards regatta officials.
The possession or use of illegal drugs, tobacco, vapes, and banned performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited.
I will support, encourage, and look after every other MBC Rowing Club member.
I will demonstrate accommodation etiquette of the highest standard by keeping my area tidy and cleaning up after myself.
I will respect the needs of other rowers and coxswains for rest and study time.
I will use cellphones and devices appropriately and will switch them off or hand them in at “lights out.” I understand that any electronic device used inappropriately may be confiscated for the duration of the trip.
I will adhere to curfews determined by the Coaches and Regatta Manager.
I will not leave the accommodation without express permission from a Camp Parent, and I will return by the agreed time.
I will take responsibility to report any behaviour that does not adhere to the Code of Conduct to the Coaches or Regatta Manager.
I understand that in the case of misbehaviour, consequences will be determined by the Head Coach and Regatta Manager, in accordance with the Club Complaints Process.
I understand that all misconduct will be reported to the MBC Rowing Committee.
The primary role of Marlborough Boys’ Rowing is to promote a healthy, competitive rowing environment whilst maintaining opportunities for all rowers to participate in the sport. We do this by encouraging an appreciation for teamwork, discipline, respect, fitness and self-worth.
This Code of Conduct applies to MBC Rowing Management, coaches, parents, volunteers, and persons participating in/connected to rowing activities.
This code outlines your rights and responsibilities, whatever your role or ability. Rowing is a team sport that requires everyone (rowers, coaches, parents, volunteers) to focus on the preparation and competition that comes with the sport and ensure that their conduct does not inhibit the performance and enjoyment of the sport or bring the Club into disrepute.
A member of the MBC Rowing Committee coordinates all food requirements for trips. They will prepare a menu and shopping list, with key supplies purchased in advance. Camp parents then work together to prepare meals and organise any additional groceries needed during the trip.
Families will be asked to provide baking. Please ensure that any allergy information has been communicated to MBC rowing so we can take these into account when preparing meals.
If you are considering joining the crew as a Camp Parent, the following information provides you a snapshot of the duties you will be required to undertake:
A Camp Manager will be nominated for each trip and will have overall responsibility for that trip.
Staying with groups in their accommodation. This will either be at Lake Rotoiti for training camps and at a variety of holiday houses for regattas.
Organising food and supplies on arrival and restocking if necessary.
Preparation of meals.
Ensuring boys are awake and fed breakfast in time for their individual racing or training schedules.
Transporting boys to and from the lake.
Washing and drying clothes/row suits if required.
Ensuring they are resting, doing homework, at meals and in bed at the appropriate time as requested by the coaches.
Ensuring that the groups are considerate of others.
Washing and drying clothes/row suits if required.
Ensuring each boy has everything they require for the days racing, prior to leaving accommodation each day.
Ensuring all ‘Camp Rules’ are followed.
Everyone must wear seat belts whilst travelling
All medication to be handed into the Camp Manager
Shoes off at the door
Wash hands before meals
Wash your own dishes
No food or drinks in the bedrooms
9 pm all phones to be handed in/plugged in away from bedrooms (NOTE: phones may be kept if staying in Wellington/Ashburton on the return journey from regattas)
9.30 pm lights out
Rooms to be kept tidy
Homework is encouraged
No leaving the property grounds to go to the shops or anywhere else without camp parent permission
Rowers to be at the lake one hour prior to racing – coaches will confirm timings
Coxswains weigh in one to two hours prior to racing – coaches will confirm timings
If biking or running, always go as a team
Always be respectful to camp parents – they are there to help and support
No swearing or silly behaviour that reflects badly on the club/school
Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and vapes are NOT PERMITTED
Bebe guns, pocket knives, etc. are NOT PERMITTED