ZOE Wilson stood out at Lake Wendouree on Thursday.
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The 18-year-old was a fresh face among competitors during the opening day of competition at the World Rowing Masters.
Wilson had the job of cox in a Ballarat crew that placed second in the men's B coxed four behind a composite group from North Esk, Port Adelaide, Lindisfarne and Tasmanian University.
The local boat was made up of Ballarat City rowers Nathan Sims, Ian Peele and Andrew Leehane and Wendouree-Ballarat's Haydn Swan.
Wilson is a year 12 student at Loreto College and was recruited to join the crew by Sims, who is the school's rowing co-ordinator.
The youngster has been involved in the sport since year eight and among her career highlights is an 11th-placed finish with Loreto at this year's national schools championships in Sydney.
Wilson said she was excited to be part of such a historic event in Ballarat.
"It's good to see the competition and the history that has been behind it," she said.
Wilson said rowing with a crew of older men was a far different experience to that at school level.
"It's a lot faster and stronger, so it's good," she said.
"When they start to get tired, I pick them back up again and let them know they can do it.
"I try and personalise little things to make them pick up."
Sims said a quick check of the rules ensured Wilson was eligible to join the boat as cox, despite not being in the masters age bracket.
He said Wilson had been partnering the crew for practice during the past couple of months in the lead-up to the regatta.
"We call them a little assistant coach," he said.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au