Fact Sheet
Competition Dates 9 to 13 October
Venue
Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
Located 110km from city centre, accessible by public transport and car
Venue Information
Lake Wendouree was the venue for the 1956 Olympic Rowing Regatta and is currently being updated for the World Masters Games. The lake is close to the centre of Ballarat and is easily accessible by foot, car or some public transport. On completion the new course will be 2100 metres long, 110 metres wide, 2 metres deep and will be buoyed with the Albano system.
How to get there
To drive from Melbourne to Ballarat, take the Westgate Freeway over the Westgate Bridge and follow the signs veering right to join the Western Ring Road. Once on the Western Ring Road take the Ballarat exit on the left, which joins the Western Highway / Freeway. The Western Freeway will take you all the way to Ballarat.
A regular V/Line (country) train service runs from Spencer Street in Melbourne to Ballarat. The trip takes about 90 minutes and is a pleasant journey through country Victoria. Ballarat train station is close to the main street and city centre.
Age Categories*
Men, Women, Mixed
A - 27-35 E - 55-59
B - 36-42 F - 60-64
C - 43-49 G - 65-69
D - 50-54 H - 70+
* A rower may compete as a master from the beginning of the year during which he/she attains the age of 27. 'Year' is defined as from January 1 to December 31. The average and minimum ages exclude the Coxswain.
Competition Details
Events
All races will be 1000m:
1x Single Scull Men/Women
2x Double Scull Men/Women/Mixed
2- Coxless Pairs Men/Women
4x Quad Scull Men/Women/Mixed
4+ Coxed Four Men/Women
4- Coxless Four Men/Women
8+ Eight Men/Women/Mixed
Women coxswains will be permitted in men's crews and vice versa.
Members of the same crew must compete wearing uniform clothing (vests, shorts and any additional garments). Rowing in uniform dress will not be enforced for mixed teams, but is preferred.
Mixed teams, excluding the coxswain, have to be composed of 50% women and 50% men. The coxswain may be of either gender.
Competition Standards
The rowing competition at Games will be conducted under the auspices, rules and regulations of the International Rowing Federation (FISA). The competition will also conform to any special requirements of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA).
Rowing Victoria will conduct the rowing competition using FISA and Rowing Australia boat race officials.
Boat Rentals
Competitors coming from outside Australia will be able to hire boats and oars during the Games.
Coxen/Coxswains
Coxen can be either male or female and are not restricted to competing with a crew of the same sex. Coxen can also be on any age (not necessarily a master) provided they meet the standard requirements of Coxen. The standard requirement of a coxen is that they must weigh a minimum of 55kg for male crews and 50kg for female crews.
Travel to Official Games Opening Ceremony in Melbourne
Competitors and Registered Accompanying Persons based in Ballarat will receive free return travel to Melbourne on Sunday 6 October 2002, allowing them to participate in the Opening Ceremony.
* Please note: all information is proposed and subject to change.