Trans Tasman Regattas– 1971 NZL Colts Tour of NSW

Background

NZL sent a Colts eight to NSW to race at the NSW Championships conducted 17-18th December 1971. The regatta program offered the following background on the event:

The New South Wales Rowing Association welcomes the New Zealand Colts visit to Sydney and sees it as a forerunner to annual competition between New Zealand and this State. The idea of Colts rowing was con­ceived by New Zealand when they sent their highly successful crew of Colts to Sydney in 1970. New Zealand's outstanding success in the 1971 European Championships has proved the value of Colts rowing. This State is planning to send a New South Wales Colts Crew on a reciprocal tour to New Zealand in December 1972. 

Discussions will be held during this visit with N.Z Rowing Council members, L.E. Brooker(Chairman), Messrs L. Hookings and C. Saunders, and the NSW Rowing Assoc­iation Management Committee. 

New Zealand have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the Colts Scheme by purchasing a Karlische (German) boat for use during the NSW visit; this boat is of similar mould and design to that of the West German VIII who won a Gold Medal at the Mexico Olympics. 

The NSWRA extends greetings to the New Zealand con­tingent and hopes that the visit will be a memor­able one for all and that many firm friendships will be made between New Zealand and Australian oarsmen.

A copy of the 1971 NSWRA championships regatta program can be found through this link.

Sources

• RNSWRA Championship regatta program 17-18th December 1971