Masters Rowers Shine at Champion Lakes

Published Mon 18 May 2026

The 2026 Masters State Championships delivered a standout day of racing at Champion Lakes on Sunday 17 May, with near-perfect weather and calm conditions providing an exceptional race course for competitors.

Light winds and flat water throughout the day created fair and fast racing conditions, allowing masters athletes from across Western Australia to showcase their skill, preparation and competitive spirit across a full program of events.

This year’s regatta also marked an exciting milestone for Rowing WA, as the event became the first to be livestreamed through the organisation’s new in-house Regatta Experience Initiative, expanding access and engagement for the wider rowing community. You can watch the livestream back here.

Racing across the program was consistently strong, with close finishes and high-quality performances highlighting the depth of competition across clubs. Crews from Curtin University Boat Club, ANA Rowing Club, UWA Boat Club, Swan River Rowing Club, Fremantle Rowing Club and West Australian Rowing Club featured prominently across the medal presentations.

The Master’s State Championships was proudly supported by the City of Armadale, and we thank them for their contribution to the sport and community. The afternoon presentation ceremony provided a number of key highlights. Deputy Mayor John Keogh attended on behalf of the City of Armadale, assisting with the presentation of medals to winning crews.

With the Australian Masters Rowing Championships just days away, the regatta provided a timely moment to recognise WA’s selected state representatives. Members of the Masters State Team were presented with their team zooties, celebrating their achievement and the dedication required to earn selection. The team brings together athletes from across the state, united in representing Western Australia on the national stage.

The regatta also marked the introduction of a newly named championship event and perpetual trophy, recognising the continued growth of women’s masters rowing. The Cato / Grant Women’s Masters G–M Pair State Championship honours a trophy donated by Nicky Cato and Vanessa Grant, created to recognise the development of women’s masters pairs over the past 25 years. In the early days, the category featured just two crews—Elizabeth Amann and Judith McCombe—who continue to compete and have played a significant role in fostering participation and growth in the boat class. Fittingly, Cato and Grant went on to win the event at this year’s championships, further cementing their connection to the race and its legacy.

The success of the event was made possible through the support of its major partner, the City of Armadale, whose ongoing contribution continues to enable the delivery of high-quality regattas at Champion Lakes.

Rowing WA extends its sincere thanks to all athletes, clubs, volunteers and Boat Race Officials for their efforts in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day of racing. Their contribution underpinned a championship that not only showcased performance on the water but also the strength of the WA rowing community.

With ideal conditions and strong performances across the board, the 2026 Masters State Championships provided the perfect lead-in to national competition, with WA crews now turning their focus to the upcoming Australian Masters Rowing Championships.

Take a look at the album of images from the day here.
Full results and medal tallies are available via Rowing Manager.
Watch the livestream back here.

Masters Rowers Shine at Champion Lakes

Gallery