World’s Largest Rowing Boat Coming to Chattanooga

Chattanooga (WDEF) – The World’s largest rowing boat is coming to Chattanooga during the Head of the Hooch.

The Stämpfli Express is 144 feet, 926 pounds, and can hold 24 rowers and a coxswain.

It comes in three, eight-person shells, bolted together to form one rowing shell.

And you can climb on board on November 5th and 6th.

It does not require any experience, but it does require cash.

$25 per seat.

The Express will also offer rides during the Hooch on the weekend, but only for experienced rowers.

Those tickets will go for $50 a seat.

Proceeds from all ticket sales got to the Chattanooga rowing initieative and the National Rowing Foundation.

Registration is available online at www.regattacentral.com/regatta/index.jsp?job_id=4437.

“The Stampfli made its debut in the U.S. on Jordan Lake. The rowers and the community had a blast! We hope that the Stämpfli Express will encourage people to take a look at rowing and rowing clubs in their community. An outing in the Stampfli Express is the first step,” said William Esterhuizen, Head of the Hooch® committee member and key initiator for the USA tour of the Stampfli.

Doug BeVille, Head of the Hooch Assistant Director said, “We are delighted that Stämpfli decided to come to Chattanooga to demonstrate the Stämpfli Express. It’s unique in rowing to have a shell that can seat 24 rowers and a coxswain. The Stämpfli Express is basically three eight-person shells bolted together to form a shell 144 feet long. It’s very stable and even inexperienced people can learn to row in this amazing boat.”

Meghan Brundage, Riverside Boat Club member & Women Rowers Professional Network founder said, “The boat has surprising set and send. It was comfortable, fun, and fast. I sat in the 23rd seat and it was incredible to turn around and see 22 rowers behind me. The spirit of the US tour is impressive with a mission to be innovative, share something fun, and provide a unique opportunity for people to learn how to row. Melchior Bürgin is investing in each community by allowing them to use the boat as a fundraiser to benefit local clubs. This kind of pay-it-forward investment in the greater rower community is heart-warming and contagious.”

Categories: Bonus Stories, Chattanooga

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