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KP reports from the World Masters Regatta 2006 in the USA The Annual Cornflake Packet Medal Fest for Ageing Rowers (FISA World Masters) took place last week in Princeton, NJ - although many people would not have been aware. A fabulous exchange rate against the pound made my retail therapy in the US even more enjoyable than normal, but that was just as well, given the high price of entry fees and boat hire. There were very few Brits or Irish in sight (at least on the start lists). It transpired that many entries were hidden by the 'Invisibility Cloak' of the Organiser's Entry System which turned any composite club crews into an anonymous 'International' crew. Some careful research has uncovered a number of wins for GBR and IRL (shown below) - apologies to any missed crews. Hilary Cook, who had been rumoured to have sailed to the Caribbean, featured in several of the wins, despite an attempt at cycle aerobatics on Putney towpath just days before the racing, which had resulted in a severe knee wound requiring stitches. So much for 'retirement'. The 'Invisibility Cloak' was a feature of the whole event - covering Shuttle Buses which never appeared, nations not shown on the event schedule, beer and food on set up day - and a complete lack of hot food. It was good to see however, that the Cloak did not extend to former Olympians, with a number taking part - although not all were successful in medalling! FISA officials did seem a little concerned by certain aspects of the event, but it was saved by beautiful weather which showed a very pretty and fair rowing course off to its best. Croatia - hosts of FISA Masters 2007 - are rumoured to be following the Strathclyde 'model' from last year, and we wish them every success.
GBR/IRL Winners - FISA World Masters 2006Category Club WC2x City of Sheffield/XPress BC WE4x Thames/Maidenhead/Sons of Thames/Fredensburg (DEN) WE4+ Thames/Maidenhead/Sons of Thames/Fredensburg (DEN) MD8+ Old Collegians/Minneapolis ME8+ Old Collegians/Dynamo WC4x Sons of Thames/Strathclyde Park/Inverness/Mortlake MD1x Cygnet MD1x Dart Totnes WB2x XPress BC/Sheffield WF2x Thames/Fredensburg (DEN) WC4+ Sons of Thames/Leicester/Strathclyde Park/Inverness MB4- Crabtree WD4+ Sons of Thames/Strathclyde Park/Inverness/Thames Mixed D2x Strathclyde Park Mixed F2x Thames/San Fernando (ARG) Mixed D8+ Sons of Thames/Strathclyde Park/Inverness/Maidenhead/Mladost (CRO) Mixed I2x Thames
K. Phillips
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