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Issue 123 - November 1999
World Masters Regatta, Seville, September 9-12
With over 2800 competitors entered, filling 6000 seats for the main two days of racing this year's World Masters was always going to be a logistical nightmare to organise. However the committee and all others involved did a great job, with the things that did go wrong not noticeable to the competitors. Racing started each day at 8 a.m., just as it was getting light and continued using all eight lanes non stop at five minute intervals for nearly 12 hours, with the temperature soaring above 40oC during both afternoons. Seville will host the World Championships in 2002 on this fantastic course on the Guadalquivir river running through the centre of the city. As long as the installation and other problems incurred behind the scenes this year are resolved, it should be a very successful, albeit hot, event.
For those who are not familiar with masters regattas it is a chance for 'the more mature' oarsmen and women (although I'm not so sure at times) to compete at international level but over 1000 metres. Each heat in each boat type and age category has a winner so it's luck of the draw as to who meets. The draw is made with reference to the average age of each crew and attempts to keep crews from the same country and clubs apart whenever possible. Competitors are not allowed to race more than twice on each day, a rule that is still sadly abused by a number of rowers and very difficult to monitor, although many more were 'noted' this year than at previous events.
Britain and Ireland together came away with 56 medals over the two days and a few more in the 'fun' mixed events on the Sunday. However Germany won more than this on the first day and 109 in total, but Britain were second in the medal table with the USA third on 35.
There is a mixed school of thought about the value of 'ultra serious' veteran rowing in this country. Many believe that more ex-oarsmen and women should put more back into the sport by becoming umpires or coaches and officiating at their clubs and regattas. Maybe more should if they are able to, including many competing in Seville. However many already do. I noticed many umpires, commission members, coaches and past/present club and regatta officials competing who manage to combine such activities successfully and enjoyably with racing.
© Copyright Maggie Phillips, 1999.
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