Neubrandenburg's last outrigger regatta: relay handover with tradition

Neubrandenburg's last outrigger regatta: relay handover with tradition

The Neubrandenburg Outrigger Regatta, which stands out as extremely successful for the fifth time in a row, recently experienced an emotional highlight. At the 20th and thus the last event under the direction of Steffen Polchow, not only celebrated, but also an era. Steffen Polchow, a well-known face in Outrigger sports, announced: "That was our last event here and today." His words moved to those present, but at the same time pulled a clear line under the past and made space for new perspectives.

The event attracted almost 100 participants, who dueled over a distance of about 20 kilometers on the idyllic great lake. The youth athletes and stand-up paddlers had to cope with a slightly shorter distance. Despite the bitter sweet emotions, it was a complete success for the organizers. "Everything was great," summed up Polchow, and the overall positive feedback confirmed his opinion. This last regatta was the perfect moment to pass on the baton and reflect on what has been moving the past two decades.

A transition to the future

With the transition to the next generation, represented by his son Franz and his friend Hannes Oesterle, the outrigger sport in Neubrandenburg seems to be subject to real redesign. "The younger ones come around the corner with ideas that may be able to bring this sport a little further," said Polchow with regard to the fresh approaches that his successors bring. Franz Polchow himself is optimistic and emphasizes that he wants to use his network in Rostock and on the Baltic Sea coast in order to implement exciting projects in the future. "We already have a few ideas on how it could go on in the coming year," he said enthusiastically, but for the moment the focus was on the last big regatta.

The anniversary celebration on this day was not only revitalized by the competitive regattas, but also by the coming of top-class sports personalities. Martin Hollstein and Andreas Ihle, who won gold at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, became special guests of the event. Their return in common boats not only illustrated the importance of the event, but also personal appreciation and friendship caused by sport. "I already noticed it on the water that you should get on the boat much more often," said Ihle and concluded with the words that it would have been fun.

It was more than just a competition for the participants; It was a celebration of cohesion and memories. The reunited Olympic success duo became a symbol of the close connection that the sport creates, even over many years and geographical distances. Hollstein summed it up: "But I also take something very important outside the boat." These moments of cooperation that are promoted by sport remain unforgettable.

The winning lists testify to the high competitions that day. There were various classes that were occupied by the participants, including Sixser-Outrigger and SUP. The orangists paid every competitor to the due attention, which led to a consistently positive atmosphere. The various competitions were able to show how much talent in the region is firmly anchored and that future regattas will have great potential, even if the formats may change.

After the last award ceremony, the water sports community Steffen Polchow and his team presented with applause and gratitude. Polchow itself was visibly moved and shared his recognition for the journey together in the past two decades. "It was close to me and showed that we have done a lot in the past 20 years," he explained and concluded the day with the certainty that sport will continue in good hands.