Masters Rowers Take Centre Stage ? World Rowing Masters Regatta

Rowers range in age over a 57 year span at Vichy.
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It is bigger than the World Rowing Championships, but compacts itself into a third of the time. It has 36 nations competing but only club colours will be worn. It is treated as a holiday by some but serious competition by others. Welcome to the World Rowing Masters Regatta in Vichy, France.

The town of Vichy will be wondering what has descended. Its population is about to increase by nearly 25 percent as over 5,000 masters rowers and supporters converge on the spa town. Competitors will line up at the start of the 1000-metre course on the Allier River and their ages range from the minimum masters age of 27 years through to 83 year old Charles Eugster of Great Britain and David Challinor of the United States. Challinor has entered in the maximum number of races allowed, two per day and is a seasoned racer. He has competed in the United States five kilometre race, the Head of the Charles, 30 times and still rows 1600 kilometres a year.

The racing schedule is tight. Over two days the starting officials will line up nearly 3,000 boats leaving at three-minute intervals. Every race is a final with the biggest event being the men’s C single (over 43 years old). Eighteen races will line up with a total of 121 boats.

The skill and dedication of the competitors varies immensely from former Olympic gold medallists to first time competitors. Rowers may find themselves lining up against the likes of three time World Champion and Olympian, Peter Haining who has only recently retired from Great Britain’s national team.

The largest contingent of rowers will be making the trip south from Germany with Great Britain and France right behind them in numbers. Competitors have come from as far away as Argentina and Australia with Iceland also showing their skills.

Vichy is known for its hot mineral springs that have been frequented since Roman times. Tourists come from around Europe to enjoy the health farms and beauty treatments. The famous Volvic mineral water also comes from this region.

In between beauty sessions rowers have three days of racing, which will start at 7.20am on Friday and finishes with mixed racing on Sunday. Registration for the mixed events can be finalised the day before on Saturday. The weather is expected to be cloudy with some sun and temperatures in the low 20s Celsius.

For more information and results go to the official web site Here