Despite lower competitor numbers than previous international regattas, officials said the spirited competition and diverse entrants made it a success. 

Overall, 1686 competitors between the ages of 27 and 88 took part, but the number of seats – about 3500 – was far lower than previous regattas. 

Before the event, Ballarat Regional Tourism forecast visitors would put $2.2 million into the local economy in the four days of competition, but that figure was reached with a lower seat estimate. 

FISA masters rowing commission chairman Tone Pahle said, although it was a smaller regatta, the set up and competition was consistently at a high level. 

“The regatta has been perfect, with a very strong competition, and everyone in Ballarat has been very helpful,” she said. 

“The course is great for masters, because you get close to the rowers at the finish line, and see their faces.” 

Recent European regattas have all had more than 7000 seats rowed, with last year’s event in Italy reaching more than 10,000. 

But Ms Pahle said she was pleased with the high attendance of non-Europeans at the smaller event this year. 

“The most competitive rowers come anyway, and the number of Brazilians, Japanese, has been great,” Ms Pahle said. 

The Japanese contingent was the largest international group, with 141 rowers making the trip. 

Ballarat was a hit with the visitors, many of whom made their fondness of the town clear before leaving. 

Chilean rowing club president Estrella Blanca Renato Alvarado Vidal left a poetic parting message. 

“Dear friends, if after we leave your country, you miss a little piece of it, it is because we it goes deep into our hearts,” he wrote. 

Ms Pahle said they had all been warmly welcomed by Ballarat. 

“It’s smiles everywhere, ‘what can we do for you?’, ‘did you enjoy the race?’,” she said. 

The 2015 Masters will be held in Hazewinkel, Belgium.

alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au