New Zealand Age Group Rowing Analysis and Comment 2004 - 2025
Format requested by some Maadi Regatta supporters.
“FISA Maadi Regatta ‘26”, authored by Sarah-Kate Millar and Nick McMaster:
To enable 2,000 additional students to compete in Maadi Regatta Finals by introducing a new race progression system.
Designed to be more inclusive, fair, and efficient, aligning with World Rowing’s (FISA) “no reps” system, but adapted for New Zealand’s 8-lane format.
No Quarterfinals or Repechage races.
Heats or Time Trials are timed, not ranked by placing.
Preliminary races give second (or third) chances to qualify.
All crews (except where fewer than 4 remain) race in graded Divisional Finals (A to G) run at 5 minute intervals instead of 11 minutes.
Emphasis on fairness and streaming by ability, not just elimination.
95% fewer eliminations (613 fewer than in 2025).
98% of crews (1455) get to race a final.
Qualify for Final A from heats, preliminary races or semifinals..
Up to 2000 more finalists than in the current format.
Averages <100 races per day, completing the regatta in less time than current format.
Aims to use regatta resources more effectively and increase student engagement.
Mon–Tue: Timed Heats or Time Trials with time available for next round Preliminary Races
Wed: Preliminary Races
Thu: Semifinals
Fri–Sat: Finals (A to G as required)
Total races: ~583
Race interval: 5 minutes or even 4 minutes
Total racing hours: ~48.6 or less instead of 53 hours.
100 races per day is manageable and realistic (North Island Schools 2025 included 133 races during one day).
All events offer a second chance to qualify for higher-tier Finals.
“More inclusive” – Rowing administrator
“Much needed” – School Rowing Director
“Fairer” – Sports Captain
“Easily done” – Regatta organiser
Inspired by Bill Falconer’s 2009 vision of inclusive, ability-appropriate participation.
Support FISA World Rowing's aspiration to have all crews progressing to graded Divisional Finals.
Challenges the current system that eliminates many students after Days 1, 2 or 3.
The FISA Regatta '26 model balances performance with participation, promoting fairness, inclusion, and more competitive racing opportunities.
Seeks to reshape the culture of the Maadi Regatta from one of elimination to graded competitive involvement.
JRN Article - New Zealand's push for inclusive rowing
With the move to make rowing more accessible and inclusive, is now the time to make the flagship regatta far more inclusive? The FISA Maadi Regatta' 26 proposal will make our school rowing far more inclusive.
PDF version of the FISA Maadi Regatta '26 proposal as requested