RegattaCentral

Dear Rowing Community,

FISA, the international Rowing Federation and the Organising Committee Linz-Ottensheim have jointly decided to cancel the 2020 World Rowing Masters Regatta which was to be held in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria in September.

The below issues connected to the Covid-19 have been evaluated and the many uncertainties have led us to the conclusion that the cancellation of the event is the most responsible option:

• Financial impact of decision timing for teams on hotel cancellation fee percentages 
• Travel restrictions/bans
• Government restrictions on groups of people meeting
• Risk of infection during events
• Preparation time for teams required: transport of equipment, visa application
• Moral and ethical responsibility: being proactive in containing and creating events that possibly increase the chances of spread now that Covid-19 is a global “pandemic”
• Responsibility of FISA on health and safety of athletes, officials and our community, the possible follow on contamination of families, team members, colleagues, elderly and ill

We deeply regret this whole situation and thank you for your understanding.