Peacefully rowing the Nemunas

Organised primarily by the Lithuanian Rowing Federation, the federation’s secretary general, Inga Okuleviciene describes the tour:

After 15 years the World Rowing Tour returned to Birstonas, Lithuania. The tour attracted 87 participants from 14 countries covering five continents. The tour began in the health resort town of Druskininkai and ended nine days and 217km of rowing later in Kaunas at the Yacht Club. Six of the nine days involved rowing following the Nemunas Loops.  

The tour also was the anniversary of Lithuanian rower Vida and Hans-Heinrich Busse of Germany who met each other on the same route 15 years ago and were later married. This time they helped the organising committee, helping with the supply of boats and guiding participants on the water.

Rowing was not the only aspect of the tour. The programme included visiting Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius and celebrating the Millennium of Lithuania. There was also sightseeing in Druskininkai of the Soviet sculptures in Grutas Park and a visit to the centre of Lithuanian rowing, Trakai. The distillery and wine factory in Alytus was also covered.  

Hans Sprunger of the Kreuzlingen Rowing Club in Switzerland commented, “We have been able to row part of the Nemunas, a river that is full of history. For me personally it was a wonderful experience – a river that is free flowing (for most of the part), calm waters, green shores and silence.

There were no motorboats, no planes above, no roads or railways running along the river. Seeing water birds, jumping fish or quiet fishermen and getting into the rhythm of rowing with friends is an experience that will not be forgotten so quickly. We had good and interesting company and a nice, quiet and well run hotel to recover. I think all of this contributed to the success of this tour. The tour of Vilnius thanks to the competent guides gave us an impression of this city that has lived through good and really difficult times.”

The next tour World Rowing Tour, in 2010, will be in Australia.