EXPERT OPINION

SARASOTA — To say Svelta Otzetova is an expert in rowing would be an understatement.

As the Events Director for the FISA International Rowing Federation, the governing body for rowing, Otzetova has toured every major rowing facility in the world. And in doing so, she has helped to ensure each facility is both structurally and technically sound for international competition.

The world rowing national champion and 1976 Olympic rowing gold medalist also is responsible for inspecting all new regatta courses, including the East County’s own facility at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

On Feb. 14-16, Otzetova visited Sarasota to tour the lake and inspect plans for the 2000-meter world-class sprint rowing course. And much to Otzetova’s surprise, the area for the course was even better than she had imagined.

“It’s better than I expected,” Otzetova said. “I Googled it, but to see how beautiful the place actually is.”

Upon her arrival in Sarasota, Otzetova and Bob Whitford, facilities manager for Nathan Benderson Park, went out on the water and toured the lake. Then the two went through a complete project checklist, which Otzetova eventually will approve.

“When you have the person who wrote the book on (rowing) here to answer any questions you may have — it’s really cool,” Whitford said. “She’s extraordinarily talented.

“There are some things that people do that we’ll never be able to do, but what we will be able to do will be the best in the world,” he said.

Otzetova said she was pleased with the dimensions and the body of water itself. She also noted the importance of its proximity to open areas, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, restaurants and other amenities that will allow it to be actively used and easily accessible.

Finally, Otzetova recognized the available land surrounding the lake as another strength because it would allow the venue to serve its purpose — to be both a multiple use sports complex and a site for international rowing competition.

The only potential drawback Otzetova noted —which she said wasn’t an actual weakness — was that some coaches prefer venues that include a side road that stretches around the lake.

In addition, wind could also be a problem at times, but Otzetova noted a contingency plan already is in place.

The course will be eight lanes; however, only six lanes will be used at a time, allowing rowers to shift lanes if necessary to complete the regatta.

“The potential for this to be a multiple use sports complex … we want to create a venue not just for rowing, but a way for the investment to be justified,” Otzetova said. “I’m looking forward to the day when FISA will host the world championships at this place.”

Whitford and the rest of his staff now will go back through the plans for the venue and make any changes they deem necessary. The plans will then be sent back to Otzetova for comments. Once the plans are approved formally, construction on the venue will begin.

“I’m focused on the rowing aspect, and we have everything she wants,” Whitford said. “It’ll have it’s own credibility, and it’s own name as a rowing venue. This place will be a legacy — a destination. The reason people will come here is to leave where they were and enjoy the benefits of (being) in Florida.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].

Benderson Park to host regatta
Nathan Benderson Park will open the regatta season with the Sarasota Invitational Feb. 26-27.
Nearly 800 rowers are expected to participate in the regatta. The event is free and open to the public. Local vendors will be on site, and a jumbotron will broadcast the race. In addition, the MetLife blimp will be circling overhead.