A group of 11 rowers made the 3000 kilometre journey to participate in the largest rowing regatta ever held in the southern hemisphere.

It was fantastic experience for the Goolwa rowers to row on the Olympic course.

Negotiating the way to the start line was an accomplishment in its own right with so many boats on the water and having never rowed on a buoyed course added to the event.

It was the first time competing in any rowing regatta for Caroline Morgan and Steve Brown, so entering at world level for the first time was a fantastic achievement.

Given the huge number of entrants and the number of former Olympic rowers who competed, Goolwa held its own for such a small rowing club.

Stef Wilden made it to the semi finals and finished a very honourable 18th from 85 entrants in the C grade women’s singles.

Also making the semi finals were the men’s quad crew of Cam Wilson, Dave England, Steve Brown and Malcolm Rumbelow.

This was a great achievement rowing against younger crews. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, this crew were unable to complete their final.

High winds on day four and five of the regatta caused the course to be deemed unsafe for rowing.

Rolling waves along the length of the course and waves washing on to the launching area pontoons made it impossible to continue.

The five-day regatta was shortened by a day and a half, causing great disappointment to all rowers particularly the overseas crews who had travelled such a long way to compete.

Goolwa Rowing Club gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the City of Victor Harbor to attend the World Masters Games with sponsorship through the Recreation and Sport Small Grants Scheme.