The regatta course at lake Beetzsee – a traditional competition site with promising future

The enthusiasm for water sports in this region follows a more than 120-years-old tradition. The first athletes to conquer the waters were the rowers followed by the canoeists a couple of years later. From then on a number of water sports clubs were founded in Brandenburg-an-der-Havel. They created the seeding grounds for the development of sports training activities from amateur level to championship participants level. In the mid-1960s a decision was made to perform a rowing-club reunion at lake Beetzsee because this lake offered the best conditions for sports activities. The Beetzsee Boat Racing Course was launched as a project of further development because of its unique and unspoiled environmental features. Besides, lake Beetzsee had always been a place loved by people who enjoy water sports.

In October 1967, the first foundations were set down to prepare the grounds for national and international competitions. After 22 months, the racecourse that complied with all the standards of that time was ready for use. During the following decades, many future champions and Olympic Medal Winners in canoeing and rowing started their sporting careers here, as for example Birgit Fischer,Frank Fischer and the Landvoigt brothers.

Woman crews from 21 nations met at Brandenburg-an-der-Havel in 1972 to race in the European Rowing Since then, Brandenburg has effectively built up its reputation as a centre for national and international sports competitions. This successful redevelopment and modernisations of regatta course and its surrounding that took place in many steps is clearly visible. The grandstands and all buildings at the course were renovated, new start- and timing systems were installed and a giant video screen was placed right on the course opposite the grandstands.

Rowers and visitors who came to Brandenburg for the 21st World Rowing Junior Championships in August 2005 had the opportunity to experience this traditional rowing course that, at the beginning of the 21st century, fulfils all technical demands in order to stage international competitions. Young sportswomen and sportsmen from 53 countries as well as numerous visitors from all over the world were enthusiastic about the modern technology, the excellent competition- and training conditions at the course, the perfect organisation and, above all, about the hospitality of the people of Brandenburg-an-der-Havel.

Last year in 2008, Brandenburg welcome Rowers and visitors to the World Rowing Under 23 Championships and the first World Cup Canoe Marathon.

And now - 2009 Canoe Sprint international is back in Brandenburg!

links:
Webcam Regattstrecke Brandenburg
Brandenburger-Regatten
360° Panorama