Rowing NZ head into unique territory tonight as their campaign to qualify all 14 Olympic-class boats begins at the world championships in Aiguebelette, France.

Mahe Drysdale is buzzing ahead of the world championships, starting in France tomorrow night.

Emma Twigg won her maiden title last August in an unbeaten season. Then, in a shock move for an athlete at the zenith of her career, she put working aspirations ahead of sporting ambitions.

19-year-old Zoe McBride from Dunedin tonight backed up her world under 23 title of last year by repeating it, winning the lightweight double scull crown with Jackie Kiddle in Bulgaria.

Mahe Drysdale has his second wind. For his supporters, the performances at Lucerne to win last week's World Cup were inspirational; for his competitors, they must have been demoralising.

New Zealand rowers have their first shot at Olympic qualification next month - and things are looking bright.

The steps towards world domination continue for Rowing New Zealand.

Rowers Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler picked up New Zealand's first medal in the Olympic class boats at the World Cup in Lucerne and the pair are eager to push further.

For taxpayers who value sporting pride as much as business profit, Rowing New Zealand's achievements in the past decade have delivered a spectacular return on investment.

Issues with sewage, garbage and algae contamination have plagued Rio de Janeiro's waterways and will be an added challenge for Kiwi athletes.

The New Zealand rowing team have had a superb outing at the World Cup event in Italy, with another golden haul of medals.

Zoe Stevenson is in a club of three at this weekend's World Cup regatta in Italy.

Both North and South Island Secondary School Champs are streaming live.

George Bridgewater has completed the maiden step towards the Olympics with selection in this season's national quadruple sculls crew alongside John Storey, Jade Uru and Karl Manson.

Other eights have tried, but come up short; this time with extra funding in place, Rowing New Zealand, tied in with their ambition to be present on the start line in Rio next year in all 14 disciplines, are adopting a no-stone-unturned approach.

Dealing with Brazilian real estate companies and literally testing the waters are among steps being taken by Rowing New Zealand to achieve their Olympic ambitions next year in Rio de Janeiro.

Call it the Evers-Swindell legacy. New Zealand's rowers embark on their international campaign next month with the women's arm of the sport at its strongest.

New Zealand's youthful men's rowing eight will have an early test of their potential in Seattle next week.