Stormy weather did not deter the thousands of Masters athletes competing this weekend at the FISA World Rowing Masters Regatta in St. Catharines, Ont.
The regatta experienced a 90-minute weather delay this afternoon as a result of a storm system that passed through the area. Strong winds and heavy rains accompanied the system, but didn't dampened spirits.
"All on-water officials and volunteers were whisked off prior to the short storm hitting," said Masters organizing committee co-chair George Darte. "The storm calmed the waters. We were done 90 minutes later, but all races scheduled for today were completed."
One of today's gold-medal winning athletes, Tracey Black of the Toronto Sculling Club, agreed: "My race was delayed, but the officials did a great job getting everything back on track. It's very well-run regatta." Black won a medal in the Women's C double event with Norma Wilkie.
Practice time for tonight was cancelled as a result of the rain delay.
The atmosphere remains festive, and participants were invited to the St. Catharines Alumni Club House for a barbeque this evening.