Klaus Filter

• 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. 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.
• 2015 Honored with "Distinguished Service to Rowing" award by the International Rowing Federation.