Press release of the Rüdersdorfer Ruderclub Kalkberge e.V. from 05.06.2023
The "Lucerne Regatta", as it is officially known by the World Rowing Federation, is one of the most famous international World Cup regattas in the rowing calendar. Once again this year, hundreds of athletes will be competing for a place at the top of the international rankings on Lake Lucerne, which is popular for its unique scenery. But what does one of the most famous international rowing regattas have to do with the Kalkberge rowing club in Rüdersdorf? At first glance, nothing. But far from it. Because this year, for the first time in the regatta's history, para-races will also be held.
The Swiss are known for their very good and detailed preparation and leave nothing to chance. However, Lucerne does not yet have much experience in organising Paralympic boat classes. So managing director Timon Wernas sought help from the "professionals" at the German Rowing Association, who referred him to none other than Lutz Bühnert, head of para-sport at the Kalkberge rowing club in Rüdersdorf. For years, Bühnert has established himself as an expert and advisor on para-rowing in Germany and has headed the DRV's "Competence Centre for Rowing with Disabilities" integrated into the Rüdersdorf rowing club since 2019.
The initial discussions with the Swiss initially centred on necessary adjustments, support requirements and, in an emergency, rescue measures. This was followed by talks with the SLRG (the Swiss equivalent of the DLRG). It quickly became clear that the rescue teams needed to be trained by experts directly on site at the regatta course in Lucerne. So Lutz Bühnert sacrificed his free Whitsun weekend and travelled to Switzerland.
"Preparing the course for the emergency services was quite challenging. We first had to get visual aids and prepare handouts. But it was still fun. You also feel honoured when you are asked for advice," says Bühnert. However, the focus was not only on theory, but also on practical implementation: Capsizing with harnesses and floats and rescue attempts. Lutz Bühnert was initially confronted with surprised faces: It can take 30 to 60 seconds from seeing the incident to the actual rescue, during which the athlete can be hanging upside down in the water. Lutz Bühnert has been pointing out for years that rescues also have to be skilful.
At the Lucerne Regatta on the second weekend in July, the para-races will initially only take place as part of the supporting programme. Only single sculls will be held. It is expected that 12 boats will be at the start. Para rowing is still separated at World Cup level. Olympic and Paralympic boat classes are only held together at international championships such as the European and World Championships. "This is another reason why integration into the Lucerne competition programme is so important. Here in Lucerne, I have noticed that both sides are interested in normalisation in the rowing circus," says Lutz Bühnert happily. A start is being made in Lucerne. And Lutz Bühnert has contributed to this.
Written by Julia Hilpert with the help of Lutz Bühnert