3
TONE PAHLE
CHAIR
FISA MASTERS COMMISSION
This is the 45th World Rowing Masters Regatta
and we are incredibly happy to be in Sarasota-
Bradenton at Nathan Benderson Park. This new
venue is superb and has already proved itself by
hosting the 2017 World Rowing Championships as
well as numerous national regattas.
As Chair of the FISA Masters Commission, this is
my favorite time of year, when masters rowers from
throughout the world come together to not just
race, but also to celebrate their part in the world
of rowing. It’s a time to meet up with like-minded
people and race for your club and country and also
enjoy the opportunity of joining in composite boats
from around the world.
The masters regatta is more than just racing. Iit is
about friendships that have developed over the
years, it’s about taking time off to take part in the
sport you love, it’s about traveling to see another
part of the world. And it’s also about showing how
well you are doing in rowing.
Beginning last year, we established the Club Trophy
to recognize the top club at the regatta. Now in its
second year, this trophy will be awarded to the club
that earns the most points from racing results.
For 2018 there is a new configuration for the over-
80 age groups. The steps will go up by a shorter,
three-year period and new groups have been
added. So we will go through from category A for
the 27 years and older, right through to category M
for the athletes 89 years or more. These new groups
signify the growth of these age groups.
I would like to welcome to this regatta those rowers
who are competing at this event for the first time.
Some of you will have taken up rowing when other
sports are no longer possible, or joined the sport
after spending hours taking your children to rowing
practices or realized that you always wanted to
try rowing. And I would like to welcome back the
rowers who have become regulars at this regatta
and make it an annual event. Some of you who have
rowed at the very highest level of our sport and I
love it that you have retained the passion.
This is my last World Rowing Masters Regatta as
chair of the Masters Commission, and I would like
to add on a personal note that I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time on the commission. Our rowing
community is inspiring and full of dedicated rowing
friends. I have been able to travel the world and
everywhere I go I know that there is an open door
for me and many times there has been boat waiting
for me to row.
I love it that rowing is a sport for life, and as a rower
myself, I appreciate the low-impact nature which
has allowed me to keep doing the sport for so long.