Row Ontario and HUDSON Sign Multi-Year Renewal of High Performance Partnership
DECEMBER 2025 | Row Ontario announces the renewal of its long-standing partnership with HUDSON Boat Works, extending their collaboration as the Official Boat Supplier for the Ontario NextGen Performance Centre (ONGPC) Boathouses, NextGen Development program athletes, and RowOn Competitions. The renewed agreement builds on five years of successful cooperation and marks the next phase in supporting Ontario athletes.
The agreement ensures that athletes (centralized, decentralized, and seasonal) training at the ONGPC have access to world-class equipment year-round. Since the opening of the ONGPC in 2020, athletes have trained in HUDSON boats, with several ONGPC athletes going on to compete on the international stage. This past summer, ONGPC alumnae Cait Whittard won Bronze at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships as a member of the Women’s Eight, while fellow alumna Ella McKinley earned three medals at the Junior Pan American Games. Their successes reflect the strength of the ONGPC program and the momentum fueled by consistent access to top-tier equipment.
“HUDSON has been an exceptional partner since 2020, and this renewal reflects our shared commitment to developing the next generation of Canadian rowing talent,” said Andrew Backer, CEO of Row Ontario. “Their boats, support, and technical expertise have elevated daily training environments for our athletes. We’re thrilled to extend this partnership and continue building on the momentum we’ve created together.”
HUDSON is a global leader in high-performance boat design and innovation, manufactured in London, Ontario. The continued collaboration aligns with both organizations’ commitment to athlete-centered development supported by best-in-class rowing technology.
“We’re proud to continue as a performance partner and to support the athletes, coaches, and the pathway that is helping shape future national team athletes and potential Olympians,” said Liam Parsons, OLY of HUDSON. “We look forward to what the next chapter brings.”
Since opening in 2020, the ONGPC has become a central hub for elite training, coach development, and provincial high-performance initiatives. The renewed partnership ensures consistent access to advanced equipment as the programs expand to meet rising athlete demand.
HUDSON has been a proud supporter of Canadian rowing and a manufacturer of high-performance shells in Ontario since 1981.
For more information, visit hudsonboatworks.com.
