World Rowing Masters 2010

The 2010 World Rowing Masters Regatta took place in St Catherines, Canada. 3,000 rowers from 34 countries raced over 1000m in a variety of boats and categories.

Masters rowing starts at age 27 and continues over 90. This year the average age of men was 54 and women 49 and represents ex-Olympians to first timers. St Catherines rowing course is best known for the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.The venue hosted the 1999 World Rowing Championships.

Nottingham Rowing Club sent a women’s eight which split into two fours. Zara Muirhead-Smith, Katherine Wiley, Cassie White, Sarah Royles, Lisa Bailey, Louise Townrow, Ruth Hyde and Netty Cox coached by Helen Bloor and Mike Fay were coxed by Ashley Hewitt from the Becket School. The B eight came fourth and the A eight second but the highlight was a win for the B four of Zara, Katherine, Cassie and Sarah coxed by Ashley who return as gold medallists and World Champions. Their opponents, in a six boat final ,were all from North American clubs like Orlando,Baltimore and Saratoga.

‘We are delighted with this result’ said Club President Keith Atkinson.’The good news is that there will be a welcome home party, the bad news is that winter training starts in three weeks time.’