Today the 2010 FISA World Rowing Masters Regatta (Sept. 02 to 05, 2010) kicked off in St. Catharines, Ont.
Despite the threat of thunderstorms and a stiff tail wind, the weather held out for all races to be completed.
"It was a great first day of racing," said Michelle Kerr, the organizing committee's Coordinator of Athlete Entertainment and a Masters rower. "There were many fast crews. It is going to be a very competitive regatta!"
Masters races are contested over 1000 metres, compared with the Olympic distance of 2000 metres.
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 large number of entries. This event - for those over 43 years old - has 78 entries including many 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.
More than 3,000 Masters athletes are participating, with a lot of the rowers taking part in more than one race over the regatta's four days. Many former World and Olympic athletes are mixed in with die-hard competitive masters for this annual event.
Tonight organizers and dignitaries will gather for the opening ceremonies, followed by fireworks.