"VAN" (Sports Desk - 15.09.2025) :: The 2025 World Rowing Masters Regatta wrapped up this Sunday in Banyoles, after five days of competition, community and celebration on the waters of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Rowing venue in Catalonia.
The regatta attracted 5,428 entries from 745 clubs worldwide, making it one of the largest gatherings in Masters Rowing. The event highlighted the international appeal of the sport, with rowers of all ages and abilities coming together in Catalunya for a festival of Rowing.
On the water, the competition was fierce yet friendly. The overall club trophy was awarded to Sport Club Corinthians Paulista of Brazil, who claimed the honours for the second consecutive year, underlining the strength and depth of their masters programme.
This year’s regatta also included somespecial celebrations. A ceremony, led by four-time Olympic Champion Sir Matthew Pinsent (GBR) paid tribute to the Olympians who competed in Banyoles during the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, reconnecting past and present on the same iconic course.
In addition, the annual recognition of the “octos” – masters rowers aged 80 years and above – took place, with each receiving a medal in honour of their lifelong dedication to the sport. That included the oldest competitor in the event, Odilon Maia Martins, who is still rowing at 96 years of age.
“Masters Rowing is about so much more than competition, it is about community, friendship, and the shared love of our sport,” said Ron Chen, Chair of the World Rowing Masters Commission. “This year in Banyoles we saw it all: incredible racing, the celebration of Olympians, and the recognition of our octos, who inspire us all to keep Rowing for life.”
The 2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta will be held in Bled, Slovenia, from 9 to 13 September 2026.
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