Denise Beamish

The Hong Kong Rowing Team with its recent gold medal win at the World Rowing Cup II (May 24) is coming to Knowlton to train for 10-days this summer.

Gavin McKay, a local resident and owner of Filippi Boats Canada hosts the Hong Kong team’s stay in Knowlton that will see them train in his firm’s boats on Lac Brome and Waterloo Lakes. The various other team needs will also be provided for by local businesses. 

Filippi Boats Canada is the official Canadian dealership of the renowned Italian manufacturer of world class rowing shells. Gavin points out that “year-over-year 65-70% of all international medals won worldwide are won in Filippi boats. So, its the availability of these boats for use while in Canada to train and then compete that attracted the Hong Kong team to Knowlton.”

From Knowlton the team goes on to St. Catherines, Ontario to compete at the 2024 World Rowing Championships in August. Head Coach, Kenny Jinning and Gavin are longtime friends going back to their National Coaching Institute days together in B.C.

When training on Brome Lake Kenny and his athletes will be working out of the Knowlton Rowing Club. A relatively young club that is growing. “Many Knowlton residents and our youth too, through club programs offered in our schools, enjoy the benefits of our local rowing club on beautiful Brome Lake,” says Gavin “Rowing is not just for Olympic athletes. It can be enjoyed by everyone. Especially here in Knowlton.”