SHARK Bites

OCTOBER 2024 | STEALTH carbon sweep riggers, now available on the U8.12 and U8.21, are the next generation in Ultimate Shark Predator (USP) technology. The STEALTH U8.32 debuts October 2024.

The STEALTH Eight showcases groundbreaking construction that combines winning SHARK hull speed with greater stability. As a SHARK wraps itself in the silence of the deep, moving like a shadow, the STEALTH Eight quietly attacks without warning.

Imagination drives innovation in USP philosophy, allowing HUDSON to rethink design without limitations. “To undertake a project of this magnitude, we explored new rigger mold-making technologies” explains Chris McCully, Engineering Manager. “We developed a mold made from composite materials that allows us to increase production and gives us greater control on overall dimensional stability.” The resulting manufacturing consistency ensures a cohesive row from stroke to bow. 

STEALTH carbon sweep riggers transfer athlete power into efficient strokes right from the start. STEALTH Eight hulls have lower cockpit deck heights with no changes to the standard gunnel heights. This brings athletes to an optimized position closer to the water, capturing horizontal movement. Athlete positioning can be easily adjusted on the rigger’s carbon fibre C-bracket. The C-bracket’s length easily accommodates oarlock-to-seat height changes and installation of telemetry instruments. The sleek STEALTH one-piece design requires no additional stay and is available in multiple rigging configurations

The STEALTH carbon sweep riggers have been engineered and manufactured with greater stiffness and durability than its competitors. Each rigger is built in-house in London, Ontario, alongside hulls and parts. HUDSON continues to own the manufacturing process from inception to final production, ensuring quality and consistency. “We’re proud to showcase our manufacturing vertical integration with this development,” says McCully.

The STEALTH Eight is quickly becoming the high-performance advantage for winning teams:  the U19 USA Women’s Eight rowed to victory at the 2024 World Rowing Championships in the STEALTH U8.21. The University of Texas rowed the STEALTH U8.21 to win the 1st Varsity Eight at the 2024 NCAA DI Championships.

As Dave O’Neill, Head Coach at the University of Texas explains, “The first time our crew stepped into the STEALTH they noticed a difference and felt comfortable. While the bow-mounted riggers are the most noticeable difference, the more subtle improvements had the biggest impact on stability and speed. We literally never had a bad row or race in that boat, and we’ve decided to have both our top eights race in the STEALTH moving forward.” 

Contact your local sales representative to discuss STEALTH Eight options for your crew.

AUGUST 2024 | Summer 2024 racing wrapped up with many SHARK sightings on the water: At the 2024 World Rowing Championships, held August 18-25, 2024, SHARK attacks approached 100 in St. Catharines, Canada. HUDSON celebrated elite competition on home waters as a proud sponsor of this year’s 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23 and Under 19 Championships. The massive event, nicknamed “Mega Worlds”, awarded seven SHARK crews with medals.

The SHARK Zone proudly hosted the World Champion U19 USA Women’s Eight (U8.21 STEALTH), who won with open water over Great Britain and Italy. The U19 USA Men’s Eight (Silver, U8.43), Women’s Coxed Four (Bronze, U5.21) and Men’s Coxed Four (Bronze, U5.31) brought home more hardware for the Americans.

In a historic finish, Paraguay earned a first-ever World Championship medal in rowing. Matias Ramirez and Alberto Portillo rowed to Silver in the Lightweight Men’s Pair (S2.22). Sisters from Peru, Alessia Palacios and Valeria Palacios brought home Silver (for the second time ever) in the Lightweight Women’s Pair (S2.12). The Palacio siblings are also Silver Medalists from the 2022 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

Dannie Price-Hughes, representing South Africa, came in second in the U19 Women’s Single (U1.12). South Africa also celebrated the fourth place finish of their U19 Men’s Coxed Four (S5.31), who led the race at the halfway mark only to be edged out of medal contention in the sprint. South Africa’s U19 Women’s Coxed Four (S5.21) finished sixth.

SHARK Athletes Stephen Harris (Canada), Lightweight Men’s Single Sculls (U1.21), and Karissa Riley (Canada) Lightweight Women’s Single Sculls (U1.12), both finished thirteenth in their first Senior World Championships. As Karissa explains, “It’s only the beginning and I know I have it in me to keep chasing the dream.”

SHARK athletes chased their dreams in Paris this summer at the 2024 Olympic Games. Kara Kohler (USA), finished fifth in the Women’s Single Sculls (U1.21), moving up four places from her finish in Tokyo. The Men’s Double Sculls of Ben Davison and Sorin Koszyk (USA, U2.32) finished fourth, the best finish in that event for USRowing since 1984. As the athletes look ahead to 2025 and beyond, Sorin reminds young scullers: “Be relentless in the pursuit of your goals within the sport.”

JULY 2024 | HUDSON is a proud sponsor of the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23 and Under 19 Championships in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, August 18-25. The Championships are a combined event in an Olympic year, earning the nickname “Mega Worlds” for its breadth and scope. HUDSON will play a vital role in ensuring the event’s success by providing technical support and hospitality to teams, coaches, and athletes racing in their SHARK boats.

“We are excited to welcome the rowing world to a Canadian home course event” said Craig McAllister, Commercial Manager at HUDSON. “This sponsorship underscores our commitment to being athlete-focused and celebrating all levels of elite competition.” Competitors will be competing for the title of World Champion across non-Olympic Senior, Under 23, Junior and non-Paralympic boat classes.

In addition to racing, the World Championships will also feature FanFest, a festival site near the finish line with live entertainment, artisans, hospitality, and merchandise. HUDSON will join FanFest to share in this celebration of competition.

2024 HUDSON boats built to race at the World Championships are available for sale at competitive used boat prices. To reserve, please contact a HUDSON sales representative:

• Dan Walsh, North East Sales Manager, (+1) 617 680-9482
• Liam Parsons, Mid West Sales Manager / Canada Sales, (+1) 519 870-4769
• Matt Muffelman, South East Sales, (+1) 804 514-5522
• Nick D'Antoni, West Sales and Service, (+1) 949 919-4486
• Andy Groves, Sales - UK, (+44) 7549 926288
• Ruud Pepping, Sales - Europe and UK, (+31) 652 095 450

NOVEMBER 2023 | HUDSON mourns the loss of an irreplaceable member of our company and community. It is with a heavy heart we share the devastating news of the passing of Jon Beare, HUDSON Co-Owner and North American Sales Manager, who left us far too soon.

Jon left a significant impression on the rowing world throughout his career, both on and off the water. He represented Canada in the LM4- over three successive Olympic campaigns, culminating with a Bronze medal in 2008. Jon also served as Athlete Director on the RCA Board of Directors after formally retiring from competition. As a key member of the HUDSON management team Jon had a profound influence on the success of the company, managing sales and building the SHARK brand.

"We had deep seated respect for each other, and the way we thought, communicated, and lived private lives made our career partnership seamless and effortless. We had similar vision, work ethic, competitive drive, attention to detail, and pragmatic approach. A standout quality of Jon's was his professional unwavering moral compass and the line in the sand he drew between right and wrong. As the North American Sales Manager and valued partner in the ownership group at HUDSON, Jon kept us honest and in the lane, doing the ‘right’ thing as a company, presenting a strategy, project, or idea only after seeking peer review, opinion, and consensus,” said HUDSON Commercial Manager Craig McAllister.

“Jon had a prolific international rowing career that was headlined by racing at three consecutive Olympic Games representing Canada in the LM4-, culminating in 2008 with a Bronze medal in Beijing. His versatility and talent was showcased by winning the Open Men’s Championship 1 x at Head of the Charles Regatta. It was a Hall of Fame rowing career that Jon rarely spoke about during his HUDSON career, and he would politely deflect recognition and accolades when I or others would publicly bring attention to his remarkable achievements.”

McAllister and Beare were friends, teammates and co-workers for over 30 years, dating back to their first row together at Western University. 

“Our 30 year friendship began at Western University and was forged in 1995 racing together in the LM2-, representing Canada at the World Championships in Tampere, Finland. Over the past 17 years working together, we built the HUDSON SHARK brand and grew global sales, constantly evolving the front side of the company. After reflecting on our body of work together, it would not be a stretch to say Jon is my soul brother and brother in arms. Vale Jon, until we meet again."

While rowing was a big part of Jon’s life, his role as husband and father were most important. Our hearts are with his wife Danielle, and their two children Mya and Rhys. 

Danielle said it best - “A beautiful human inside and out. His calm, determination, and empathy gave us an amazing life. Although we felt the universe was unfair with his diagnosis, he kept us strong as we caught ourselves saying many times that we were so lucky to have this life. Jon was an amazing Dad, Husband and friend. His love has filled us for a lifetime.”

For Jon, and his beautiful life.

https://www.earthsoption.com/obituaries/Jonathan-Barrington-BEARE?obId=29410975