Strathclyde Prepares for 2005 World Masters Regatta

The chairman of the FISA World Masters 2005 Committee of Honour, Scotland’s First Minister Jack McConnell MSP, officially re-opened the upgraded rowing course at Strathclyde Country Park near Motherwell recently.

He started the first race to be held on the upgraded course and later attended the inaugural meeting of the Committee of Honour.  

Strathclyde Park’s existing six lane course was upgraded to eight lanes to accommodate the massive FISA World Masters’ Regatta, which is being staged at the park by the Amateur Rowing Association of Great Britain and hosted by the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association (SARA) from 8-11 September 2005.

The World Masters Regatta continues to grow and now attracts around 3,500 competitors from more than 30 nations. Strathclyde is also predicting that there will be a further 6,500 spectators, bringing an anticipated economic boost of £12 million to the area.

McConnell shows off his umpiring prowess at the Strathclyde regatta course.

Mary Massaro, President of SARA commented: ‘I am delighted that by hosting the World Masters Regatta in 2005, Scottish rowing will have the opportunity to welcome guests from all over the world to Scotland. Strathclyde Country Park is an outstanding venue, which will allow us to present a regatta to the highest possible standards.”

Councillor Jim McCabe JP, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council continued: “This event will be a tremendous boost for North Lanarkshire, giving an opportunity for the local economy to benefit. It will also see the superb facilities at our flagship park featured on a world stage. The upgrade of the rowing course and the planned installation of a new timing system will reaffirm Strathclyde Country Park’s position as one of Britain’s top watersports venue.”

During the official opening, McConnell said, “the facilities at Strathclyde Park are the finest in Britain and among the best in the world. From the Ryder Cup to the Champions’ league final to the World Masters’ Rowing Regatta, I want people to know that Scotland can put on unbeatable events.”

The regatta’s website is www.fwmr2005.com