2007 Canadian Masters Championships: Great Racing in a Green Setting

This past weekend - August 17 to 19, 2007 - the Canadian Masters Championships were held at the Victoria City Rowing Club on Elk Lake in Victoria, BC after a two-year hiatus. The regatta boasted crews from Anchorage, Alaska to San Diego, California and as far as Kenora, Ontario in Canada. One notable entry was from Sydney, Australia's Mosman Rowing Club!

Changes to this regatta in 2007 included an elimination process (heats and finals) making this a true championship. Lightweight events were also a new addition and on a trial basis, AA events (under 21) were offered in attempt to broaden the reach to competitors of different ages.

Adaptive athlete Jeff Standfield, also showed up to the regatta to race. Jeff was the only adaptive competitor, but managed to get a race in against able-bodied Victoria City Rowing Club member Keith Battersby. Keith agreed to abide by the rules of using the arms only, the category that Jeff races. Jeff competed for Canada at the World Championships last year in Eton, England.

Masters' regatta chair, Sharon Hume, commented: "I am thrilled to have had so many competitors approach me to say what a great time they are having. The regatta has been relaxed and fun but at the same time offered a very high level of competition. In addition, the green initiative at this regatta as helped competitors bring ideas back to their communities and rowing clubs which has made that effort so worthwhile. I cannot thank the sponsorship of Hudson Boatworks, Concept 2 and Thrifty's food enough for also contributing to the regatta’s success."

The environmental initiative of Brenda Taylor, 1992 Olympic double gold medalist in the four and eight, was an incredible enhancement to the regatta. This included a water filing station with free water bottles being handed out by the Capital Regional District, compostable plates and cups from the concession, and clearly labeled areas to dispose of your garbage in an environmental way.

A Victoria City Rowing Club member, Audrey Vaneerden headed up an art auction where local artists donated their work to raise funds for the club. The silent auction had many people bidding away between races!

The next Canadian Masters Championship will take place in Guelph, Ontario in 2008.

RESULTS: www.vcrc.bc.ca