Masters Big Success in Montreal

Several former Olympians celebrated the fun side of competitive rowing at the weekend when they took part in the biggest ever FISA World Masters Regatta, in Montreal, Canada.

The regatta fell on the 25th anniversary of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and was attended by more than 3500 rowers, taking up more than 8000 boat seats.

Montreal Olympic men’s single sculls bronze medallist Joachim Dreifke, from the former East Germany, was in action along with countryman and Munich Olympic gold medallist Hans-Ulrich Schmied.

Former European champion in the men’s double sculls John Van Blom and his wife, Montreal silver medallist Joan Lind Van Blom of USA, took to the water as did FISA president Denis Oswald.

Mr Oswald took to the water twice – first in the mixed double sculls with Canadian double Olympic biathlon champion turned masters rower Miriam Bedard and then again with a victorious FISA eight that included Masters commission members Peter Morrison, Hans Jorg Held and Tone Pahle Devor.

There are no champions at the World Masters regatta with only heats raced and no finals. The emphasis is on taking-part and enjoying the competition.

Rowers from 27-92 years old raced over a 1000 metre course, with races starting every 3 minutes.

The slight wind on Friday, the first day of racing, eased for the rest of the weekend and rowers enjoyed largely fine weather and calm water.

The organisers estimated that for every participant there was at least one family member or supporter, making for a lively atmosphere in the course that is just a short train ride from the city.

Full results from the regatta are available at cyberscoreboard.com
Next years Masters will take place in Racice in the Czech Republic.