World Rowing Masters Regatta concludes in Banyoles with celebration of lifelong Rowing

The 2025 World Rowing Masters Regatta came to a close this Sunday in Banyoles, Spain, after five days of thrilling racing, camaraderie, and celebration. Against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Banyoles – the Olympic Rowing venue of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games– the event welcomed 5,428 entries from 745 clubs around the world, making it one of the largest gatherings of the global masters Rowing community.

From early mornings on the lake to evenings filled with shared stories and Catalan hospitality, the atmosphere across the regatta was one of joy, inclusivity, and the true spirit of Rowing. The Organising Committe of Banyoles and the World Rowing Masters Commission managed to deliver a smooth and flawless event, that included a reschedule of races due to thunderstorms on Saturday, but all competitors managed to compete in their respective races.

On the water, competition was fierce yet friendly, and at the end of the regatta, the overall club trophy was awarded to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista of Brazil. The Brazilian club secured the honours for the second consecutive year, underlining their depth and strength across many boat classes.

The regatta also featured a special celebration of the Olympians who raced in Banyoles at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. Led by four-time Olympic Champion Matthew Pinsent (GBR), the ceremony honoured the athletes who competed on the same waters three decades ago, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd and connecting generations of rowers.

Beyond racing, the event also celebrated the remarkable commitment of its oldest participants. Each year, the World Rowing Masters Commission honours rowers aged 80 years and above – the “Octos” – with a dedicated ceremony and the presentation of a special medal. This tradition, warmly applauded in Banyoles, reflects the lifelong passion for Rowing that unites the masters community. That included the oldest competitor in the event, Odilon Maia Martins of Brazil, still rowing at 96 years of age.

“Masters Rowing is about so much more than competition, it is about community, friendship, and the shared love of our sport,” said Ron Chen, Chair of the World Rowing Masters Commission. “This year in Banyoles we saw it all: incredible racing, the celebration of Olympians, and the recognition of our octos, who inspire us all to keep Rowing for life.”

The 2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta will be held in Bled, Slovenia, from 9 to 13 September 2026.