Spectacular sceneries of Lago Maggiore. Photo by Catriona Cameron
UPDATE: for 2020, our Classic River Thames will be women only tour. Join us in August!
It is often nerve-racking to start something new. Our Magical Lago Maggiore trip is not exactly new, having run successfully last year. But our June 2018 trip was new in two ways. It was our first ever women’s only trip, plus for the first time it was led by our wonderful Catriona Cameron. Of course she was supported by Luigi Manzo and the crew from Canottieri Luino, but still, it was her first official trip as Tour Leader for Rowing The World. For those of you who do not know her, Catriona (who is English but has lived in Italy for 25 years) started rowing at Canottieri Varese following in her daughters’ footsteps nearly 15 years ago. Since 2010 Luigi and Catriona have been involved in the organisation of all the major international rowing events held in Varese and coastal rowing events on Lake Maggiore.
Launching with a help of our amazing support crew. Photo by Catriona Cameron
Long story short, we were on the edge of our seats to hear how it went! Fabulously, we now know. We quickly heard positive feedback from some of the guests, and Catriona shared her experience guiding a group of amazing ladies.
Photo – courtesy of Heather Jo Boisseau
Photo by Catriona Cameron
Catriona: I am finding it a little difficult to know where to start in telling you about the Lago Maggiore trip! It really has been a fantastic experience for myself and my wonderful support crew. Our ten amazing guests were all so very interesting, witty, and got on very well together. An incredible group of women with diverse life, work and rowing experiences. … there were many conversations and discussions that just would not have happened if there had been men in the group! I would definitely say that the “Women only” trip has been a success and appreciated very much by all the guests.
I have learnt a lot over the week and seen where we can make some adjustments for future trips. Also these trips are making me realise how beneficial rowing is in all different ways.
At the final dinner on Saturday night they presented a donation to the Club with the following message on the envelope: “To the wonderful Support Crew “Rowing the World inaugural womens trip”. Thank you for your enormous generosity, flexibility, humour and sincerity. You made our time so memorable. This is a small donation to your club to express our graditude and appreciation. From, That first womens’ crew.”
Our wonderful rowing ladies! Photo by Catriona Cameron
We are delighted! A sincere thank you to all involved. We will definitely be considering more women’s only trips in the future, and of course will continue to run Magical Lago Maggiore trips for rowers of both genders.
Lago Maggiore is amazing even on a cloudy day. Photo by Catriona Cameron
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Hi Ruth
Is there a rowing tour where a spouse can cycle and still be part of the group
Valerie Perigord
Hi Valerie,
Nice to hear from you. Yes, there are some options but not for all tours. For example it is possible for our Classic River Thames and Four Rivers in Ireland, but not for the Lago Maggiore trip, unfortunately. Our new Mosel trip might be the best for this. Let me get you more details and we can discuss by email.
Best,
Ruth