2021 Australian Masters Rowing Championships

2021 Australian Masters Rowing Championships relocated to Adelaide

Sydney International Regatta Centre unable to host event due to water quality

Masters Championships to return to New South Wales in 2023

Rowing Australia (RA) and Rowing New South Wales (RNSW) today announced that, due to the indefinite closure for on-water activities at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC), the 2021 Australian Masters Rowing Championships (AMRC) will be relocated to West Lakes, Adelaide.

The AMRC will take place in South Australia from 27 to 30 May 2021 and will see Masters rowers from across the country travel to compete. The AMRC will return to Penrith in 2023 due to this year’s event having to be relocated.

Margot Harley, CEO of RNSW the original hosts of the 2021 AMRC, said, “In discussion with RA, the RA Masters Commission and the broader Masters community we have reluctantly had to come to the decision that due to lack of certainty over the availability of SIRC and not being able to offer a course that met national standards we will not be able to host the 2021 Australian Masters Rowing Championships.

“The extreme flooding experienced in New South Wales earlier this year has heavily impacted the water quality at SIRC, making us unable to host the event this year due to the levels of weed and blue green algae present at the regatta venue. However, we look forward to seeing the Australian Masters community back in Penrith in 2023 and are grateful to Rowing South Australia for stepping in to host the event at short notice.

“I would also, on behalf of Rowing NSW, like to thank all the staff and volunteers who were working so hard towards the event, we look forward to working with you all in 2023.”

RA CEO, Ian Robson added, “I’d like to extend my gratitude to both Rowing NSW and the Australian Masters Commission for working closely with us to come to this decision. Over the last 12 months we have seen constant change in the sporting landscape and I would like to thank everyone for the response we have had to ensure that we are able to deliver a successful AMRC for our Masters community.

“We looked at alternative options within New South Wales for the event, however given the size and prestige of the AMRC we felt relocation to an alternative State was the best solution. While we know many will be disappointed about not being able to compete in Penrith this year, the health and safety of our community along with the integrity of the AMRC are paramount. On behalf of RA, I would also like to thank Andrew Swift and all the team at Rowing South Australia for stepping into the breach to host this year’s AMRC.”

Rowing South Australia CEO, Andrew Swift said, “We’re excited to welcome the Australian Masters community to South Australia at the end of May. While the circumstances as to why we are hosting the event are unusual, we know that the South Australian Masters rowers will welcome the wider community with open arms. We are sure that the 2021 AMRC at West Lakes will reflect the same spirit and excitement that was evident at the 2021 Aon Australian Rowing Championships at the end of March in Tasmania.

"We acknowledge the effort and thank Rowing NSW for their organisation of the event to date. Together, we will make this the best possible event that we can for the Australian rowing community. We look forward to seeing you in Adelaide.”

Rowing Australia and Rowing South Australia will release further information and Bulletin 2 shortly.

View the official Rowing Australia release here.