Regatta Venue & Host Club

Facilities at Base Nautique des Clerges

The nautical base provided a full regatta infrastructure for the October 12–15, 2017 championships. Athletes and officials had access to boat storage, launching ramps, and technical areas directly on the lakeshore. The site's layout accommodated both the 4,000 m and 6,000 m race courses.

Spectator zones along the waterfront offered clear sightlines across the course, with the exhibitor village situated nearby.

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Leman, the regatta venue at Base Nautique des Clerges offers a spectacular natural setting for the World Rowing Coastal Championships. The expansive waters of the lake, framed by the distant Alps and Jura mountains, create a dramatic amphitheatre for competitors and spectators alike. This location provides the ideal conditions for coastal rowing, with its open waters and changing breezes challenging athletes from around the world. The host club, deeply rooted in the local rowing tradition, has transformed this picturesque lakeside site into a world-class competition hub, welcoming rowers, coaches, and fans to experience the unique blend of sport and alpine scenery.

Beyond the racing itself, the venue and its surroundings invite visitors to explore the rich culture and natural beauty of the Haute-Savoie region. The championship village becomes a lively gathering place where rowing enthusiasts from many nations share their passion for the sport. Between races, attendees can discover the local cuisine, enjoy lakeside leisure activities, or simply take in the breathtaking views across the water toward the mountains. The organisers have designed the event to be as much a festival of rowing as a competition, with ample space for fans to move about, watch the action from various vantage points, and connect with the international coastal rowing community.

Coastal rowing demands a unique blend of endurance, strength, and adaptability, and the Lake Leman venue provides the perfect stage for this demanding discipline. Unlike calm inland waters, the lake's surface can shift dramatically with the wind, adding an unpredictable element that tests even the most experienced crews. The organising committee has carefully planned the race courses and safety protocols to ensure fair competition while embracing the natural challenges that define coastal rowing. This championship represents the culmination of years of preparation by the host club and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to create an event that honours the traditions of rowing while showcasing the sport's most adventurous side.

About Chablais Aviron Thonon

Chablais Aviron Thonon is the rowing club that hosted and organised the 2017 World Rowing Coastal Championships. Based at the Base Nautique des Clerges, the club has deep roots in French coastal rowing and previously staged the French championship in 2013 on the same waters.

The club worked alongside regional and national partners to deliver the event, welcoming crews from around the world to Lake Leman.