All seven members of the World Rowing (WR) Masters Commission, one staff member of the international federation, and two employees of the responsible timekeeping company visited the city of Brandenburg an der Havel from March 8 to 11, 2024 to gather information about the technical, infrastructural, and logistical conditions that the Brandenburg course on the Beetzsee offers for hosting this year’s World Rowing Masters Regatta. Additionally, intensive discussions with representatives of the local Organizing Committee (OC) were a significant part of the extensive agenda during this visit.
On Saturday morning, Mayor Steffen Scheller and city council chairman Walter Paaschen welcomed the international guests from USA, Scotland, Lithuania, Mexico, Serbia, and South Africa for a photo session in front of the city’s townhall and its 550 years old statue of the “Roland” patron which is also part of the 2024 WRMR event logo. Subsequently, in chilly temperatures, a joint inspection of the course on land and water was conducted, involving the seven OK members who have been on-site. Uwe Philipp, manager of the regatta course, provided insights into the technical equipment of the finish tower, the main buildings, the boat parks, and the other utilized buildings and areas for the 2024 World Rowing Masters Regatta. Afterwards, some of the guests continued the tour on the water to inspect the start installations, their positioning, data cabling, timing huts, and all other equipment.
Back in the warm meeting room, the intensive discussions of the packed agenda commenced. Apart from determining the entry fees, water traffic regulations, and locations of boat storage spaces, there was a lively exchange on various matters.
Following the Sunday morning talks, OC vice president Steffen Christgau drew a positive conclusion regarding the delegation’s approval and positive feedback of the course infrastructure and the support provided by the city and the federal state of Brandenburg.
OC president Volker Garmatter also expressed satisfaction. The OC presented solutions to challenges, though some points still require attention. Garmatter expressed confidence that the remaining six months until the World Rowing Masters Regatta 2024 will be utilized to create a special experience for participants and guests.
