Banyoles presents the World Rowing Masters Regatta

From the 10th to the 14th of September 2025, Banyoles will host the World Rowing Masters Regatta (WRMR), an event that will, once again, position the city as a global rowing hub. This weekend, the delegation from the International Rowing Federation is visiting the facilities of the Club Natació Banyoles, the regatta course, and the municipality in general to gain first-hand knowledge of the environment where this competition, which will attract around 4.000 athletes, will take place.

Banyoles, with extensive experience hosting major international sporting events, will once again become the global epicenter of rowing in September 2025. Miquel Noguer, the mayor of Banyoles, highlighted that "this was the only rowing competition we had yet to host in the city, which has been a venue for the Olympic Games, has hosted the Rowing World Championships, and many other national and international competitions". The mayor also added that "all the athletes and the people accompanying them see this event as an opportunity to enjoy their stay, and Banyoles and the Girona region offer many cultural, leisure, and gastronomic attractions... making this event also have an impact on economic promotion."

The president of the WRMR Commission, Ronald Chen, explained that "this visit made by the Commission has served to confirm that Banyoles is an ideal venue to host the event, and that the work done by the organization will ensure we have an exceptional 2025 Masters Regatta," adding that "Banyoles Lake is an iconic location in the rowing world, and we are proud that the WRMR can be held here, after the 2020 edition had to be canceled due to the pandemic." In fact, the Banyoles Lake regatta course is ranked as the best in the world by the International Rowing Federation itself. The calm waters and mild climate of the region provide excellent conditions for training and competing throughout the year.

Jordi Casanova, president of the Club Natació Banyoles, expressed his satisfaction with hosting this major event, highlighting that "for the Club, it is important to remain on the international rowing competition calendar, as it allows us to make the necessary investments for the maintenance of the facilities," adding that "another attraction of hosting such events is that they serve as a magnet for rowers from other parts of the world to visit the city. Moreover, this particular event is a long-standing request from the section, where there is a significant number of veterans who have participated in rowing competitions worldwide, and for them, it is important and exciting to be hosts while also enjoying the experience".

The World Rowing Masters Regatta

The World Rowing Masters Regatta is the largest regatta organized by the International Rowing Federation. It is an annual event with up to 4.000 participants from all over the world, who, starting at the age of 27, row representing their clubs in a 1.000 meter race. Every three minutes, up to eight boats start simultaneously to determine the winning teams in 13 different age groups, each with up to seven boat categories and divided by gender. The minimum age in the oldest participant group is 89 years. Additionally, mixed-gender races are also organized on Sunday.

The World Rowing Masters Regatta will be held in Banyoles from 10th to 14th of September, 2025, although participants will begin their stay in the city with training starting from 8th of September. This event is organized by the Banyoles City Council, the Club Natació Banyoles, World Rowing, and the Federación Española de Remo.