Intro
On the Rotsee — a lake of stillness and story — the world’s finest rowers assembled again. The 2024 Lucerne Regatta unfolded beneath Alpine skies with drama, precision, and quiet intensity. Olympic ambitions surged through every lane, and the crowd knew it. This was more than a regatta — it was a testament to legacy and momentum.
The Setting
Nicknamed the “Lake of the Gods” by rowers, Lucerne’s Rotsee lies cradled between forested banks and gentle hills. This is sacred water in the rowing world. Since 1933, it has hosted races that shaped the sport’s history — including the first-ever World Championships in 1962. In 2024, nearly a century later, Lucerne reminded the rowing world why it remains its spiritual home.
With over 900 athletes from 60+ nations, the regatta was a pivotal test ahead of Paris 2024. The venue, recently modernised with CHF 16 million in investments, now offers elite infrastructure seamlessly integrated into a protected natural landscape. The Rotsee delivers fairness, focus, and quiet grandeur for both Olympians and Para-athletes.
The Experience
Across three race days, the Rotsee became a theatre of national pride, personal redemption, and tactical precision. From blinding sunlight to chilling wind, the lake tested skill and resilience. The first two days brought drama: Hong Kong earned its first-ever World Cup gold through Hin Chun Chiu, and Swiss fans roared for home crews battling established giants.
Spectators filled the natural amphitheatre — nearly 20,000 in total — with all grandstand seats sold out. Between finals, they lined the grass banks with flags and binoculars, erupting in cheers when Claire Ghiringhelli, Switzerland’s para-rowing pioneer, crossed the line in her first World Cup final.
Sunday’s A-finals delivered close finishes and high emotion. The men’s eight was decided by just 0.2 seconds. Dutch sculler Simon van Dorp stunned reigning world champion Oliver Zeidler in the dying strokes. And the crowd’s loudest roar? Reserved for the final sprint of Jan Schäuble and Raphaël Ahumada, who claimed silver in the lightweight double — a race defined by rhythm and will.
The Sport
Lucerne was not just another stop on the circuit. It was a stage of consequence. Athletes chased Olympic readiness, and crews tested combinations against the world’s best.
The Dutch emerged dominant, with five golds and eight medals overall. The British men’s eight, Italy’s lightweight crews, and the rising New Zealand and Australian women all made clear they were podium-bound. For Switzerland, two medals and multiple A-final appearances proved the host nation is on form heading toward Paris.
The regatta also marked the successful integration of Para-rowing at the World Cup level. Over 130 athletes competed across classifications, showing both excellence and inclusivity. Ghiringhelli’s fifth-place finish anchored a milestone for Swiss rowing.
Quote
“The Rotsee delivers more than racing. It’s a meeting place for rowing’s past, present, and future — and it delivered it all this year.”
— Timon Wernas, Managing Director, Lucerne Regatta
What’s Next
As Lucerne finalises its bid to host the 2027 World Championships, the 2024 regatta is its finest calling card. The sport’s soul felt close in every finish, flag, and silence before the start. The Rotsee waits, ready once again.