Klaus Filter

Klaus Filter is a German racing shell designer who could be considered the most successful designer in the history of rowing.

Career highlights:
*"1946" Started his rowing career in postwar East Germany.
*"1949" Became an apprentice at the Pirsch shell builders.
*"1950s" Became a member of the East German National Rowing Team.
*"1960" Developed the world's first composite rowing shell.
*"1961" Helped founded the East German FES (Institut fur Forschung und Entwicklung von Sportgeraten). This body was charged with the analysis and improvement of athletic equipment used by the East German Sports Federation.
*"1965" Earned his degree in naval architecture from the University of Rostock.
*"1972 and 1976" Won the East German National Award for Science and Technique for his work at FES.
*"1979" Became a founding member of FISA's Materials Commission.
*"1990-2000" Served as Head of the FISA's Materials Commission.
*"1993" Ended his duties with FISA's Materials Commission but continued his role with the Head of the Materials Commission until his retirement in 2000.
*"1994 to present" Started to work with the Xiong family at the Flying Eagle Boat Company.
*"2004" Began to work with WinTech Racing of North America.
*"2005" Designed the first self-bailing racing shell. Introduced into the rowing market with WinTech Racing.