Want to know more?
Follow us on Instagram via @regattaduisburg or write us a mail to info@regatta-duisburg.com.
A New Chapter Begins at the Duisburg Regatta Course
The 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships marked the beginning of a new chapter at the Duisburg Regatta Course on Thursday. Australia’s Susannah Lutze won the morning’s Para single sculls qualifying race, becoming the first athlete to cross the finish line at the comprehensively modernized venue during the Championships. Just hours after the official Opening Ceremony, the historic regatta course was officially inaugurated as a world-class sporting venue.
The opening day immediately demonstrated that the Duisburg Regatta Course provides a fitting stage for the world’s best young rowing talent. The new grandstand created a vibrant atmosphere from the very first race. Australian supporters cheered on their team with an inflatable kangaroo, Swiss fans made themselves heard with the sound of cowbells, while German supporters created a true home-event atmosphere by waving black, red and gold flags.
“The opening day has been a great success,” said Organizing Committee Chairman Tobias Weysters. “It has only increased the anticipation for this weekend’s medal races.”
Four Victories for German Crews
A total of 45 races were contested on the opening day. From the German perspective, the Championships got off to a promising start, with four crews from the German Rowing Federation winning their races and giving the host nation a strong position heading into the coming days.
Several other German crews also secured places in the finals, including the women’s quadruple sculls. “We were still about ten percent short of our full potential today,” said stroke Charlotte Burgdorf. “If we can deliver our best performance on Saturday, we can achieve our medal goal.”
Her teammate Julia Stöber was impressed by the atmosphere at the venue. “I was surprised by how many spectators were already here for the heats,” said the rower from Essen. “It really felt like a home World Championships.”
Before racing began, the international rowing community observed a moment of remembrance for recently deceased Norwegian two-time Olympic champion Olaf Tufte. Athletes, officials and spectators paid tribute to one of rowing’s greatest champions.
Medal Racing Begins This Weekend
On Friday, 24 July, the programme continues with the D and C Finals, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals. Racing begins at 9:05 a.m.
The first world championship titles will be awarded on Saturday, 25 July, before the remaining medals are decided on Sunday, 26 July, at the Duisburg Regatta Course. Racing on both weekend days also starts at 9:05 a.m.
Tickets remain available for all competition days. They can be purchased online at duisburg2026.com or at the ticket office at the Duisburg Regatta Course.
The 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships receive financial support from the German Federal Government, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Duisburg, the Regionalverband Ruhr, and the Sparkassen Sports Foundation.
For start lists, schedules, the race programme and results, please visit www.duisburg2026.com.
