3,000 rowers race at the 2010 World Rowing Masters Regatta in St Catharines, Canada

03/09/2010

The World Rowing Masters Regatta has begun in St Catharines, Canada. Racing takes place from 2 to 5 September 2010, with nearly 3,000 rowers from 34 countries with clubs from the United States and Canada featuring prominently. Best known for the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, the St Catharines rowing course also hosted the 1999 World Rowing Championships.

The oldest rower is 91 years old
Masters rowing starts at the age of 27 and this year the regatta includes rowers up to the age of 91. As has been common in recent years, the men’s ‘C’ single has attracted a huge number of entries. This event – for those over 43 years old – has 78 entries including a whole slew from South American countries, such as 60-year-old Alejandro Gasparri of Argentina and Edson Aquino Sant, 51, of the St Catarina Club in Brazil. There is also James Joseph from Madras, India, and regular competitor FISA masters commission member, Daniel Rutenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel.

Average competitior's age between 49 and 54
The regatta is raced over 1000m and rowers are able to enter in more than one race so organisers are expecting about 7,500 ‘seats’ to be registered. The final day of racing is for mixed crews, and rowers are able to enter during the regatta. This year the average age of men competing is 54 and the average age of the women is 49 and represents rowers who are ex-Olympic medallists through to those racing for the first time.

A world class destination
Niagara is home to the internationally-recognized Niagara Falls. The city of Niagara Falls also features beautiful parks and gardens, and many tourist attractions including the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour and Marineland. Each summer night features light displays and fireworks at the falls as a visual delight for all in attendance. Cyclists and hikers can enjoy hundreds of miles of trails and parkways. The Welland Canal runs through Niagara, carrying ships around Niagara Falls as they traverse from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. Paths line the canal offering cycling, skating or walking as the giant ships move along.

Source: 2010fisaworldrowingmasters.com

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