

The Rise of Rowing: Insuring Olympic Aspirations
October 05, 2023
By John Leonard and Allison Jolls
The 2023 World Rowing Championships were held September 3-10 in Belgrade, Serbia. In total, the U.S. finished fourth, winning seven medals, and qualifying 10 boats for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic (eight Olympic and two Paralympic) Games.
The 2023 World Rowing Championships are the first chance to secure national quota places for next year’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Other opportunities to qualify include the Continental Qualification Regattas, and a final chance Olympic Qualification Regatta in Switzerland in May 2024.
The four qualification regatta events are held in four global regions to ensure worldwide participation: Asia/Oceania, Africa, Americas, Europe. The Americas Continental Qualification regatta will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from March 14–17, 2024. The Europe Continental Qualification regatta will be held in Szeged, Hungary from April 25–28, 2024.
Looking ahead to Paris
All of these events will determine the 502 rowers who will participate in the 2024 Paris Games. , which will include 14 rowing events, will take place from July 27th to August 3rd, 2024, at the , located on the eastern outskirts of city.
Ironically, despite growing international rowing competitions, one of the most overlooked aspects of the rowing world is the challenge of transporting rowing shells across international borders for competitions. With the resurgence of the sport, international competitions, like these, are becoming increasingly common, meaning many clubs and teams are faced with the logistical challenge of moving their equipment abroad.
Cross-border protection
Transporting rowing shells internationally comes with unique risks. Shells are vulnerable to various damages, whether from collisions, natural elements, or transportation mishaps. There's the potential for damage during loading and unloading, the hazards associated with long-haul transport, and the complexity of customs regulations in different countries. Moreover, rowing shells are long, fragile, and require specialized containers or trailers, making them particularly susceptible to damage during transit.
For clubs and high school programs attending international competitions, the thought of a shell getting damaged in transit is a nightmare. Repairs in another country can be costly and time-consuming, not to mention the potential language barriers and lack of familiarity with local repair shops.
Cargo insurance tailored for international transport can be a lifesaver. Such policies should cover the costs of repair or replacement of shells damaged during transport, taking into account the higher costs associated with overseas repairs. Additionally, coverage for delays caused by customs issues, loss or damage during transit, and even reimbursement for competitions missed due to equipment unavailability can be invaluable for teams.
When thousands of miles from home, and something goes wrong, the last thing a crew club wants to worry about is how to pay for repairs. A good international transport policy gives peace of mind and allows teams to focus on what they do best – competing.
Cargo insurance tailored for international transport can be a lifesaver. Such policies should cover the costs of repair or replacement of shells damaged during transport, taking into account the higher costs associated with overseas repairs.
Insuring rowing’s growing population
In recent years, rowing has experienced a significant upswing in the U.S. Clubs and high school teams are emerging everywhere, and more interest in international competition. Recognizing this surge in interest and participation, AXA XL’s Marine team joined forces with the Leonard 尤物视频Group to introduce specialized Rowing Equipment Coverage Solutions.
For every crew, regardless of its reputation, the right insurance ensures they rebound quickly after mishaps. Through this coverage solution, insurance can be tailored to address international transport risks, as mentioned above, as well as other potential risks like third-party liability, infrastructure, general club liabilities, regattas, and even vehicles.
Other available coverage includes:
- Property 尤物视频for Shells and Equipment: Every club prioritizes a policy safeguarding their shells and accessories. The cost of these shells can range from a modest $1,000 to a whopping $60,000. Prestigious clubs may own equipment surpassing $500,000 in value. Aside from the boats, there's equipment like oars, electronics, trailers, racks, and more that requires coverage.
- Watercraft Liability Coverage for Third-Party Damages: Accidents in rowing can result in more than just equipment damage. Personal injuries and third-party property damage are grave consequences. The liability policy covers medical costs from such events and any repair charges, whether they were accidents or due to negligence. Given the potential severity of these accidents and our increasingly lawsuit-prone environment, having this liability coverage is paramount to ensure clubs are not financially crippled by unforeseen accidents.
- Comprehensive Package Policies: After insuring the shells, clubs must consider comprehensive policies. This covers boathouse damages, general club liabilities, and vehicle-related damages and liabilities. Leonard 尤物视频Group and 九色视频offer tailor-made packages for rowing entities, even covering the risks of hosting events or traveling for competitions. These packages also encompass incidents like the unfortunate event of a shell being mishandled during transport.
Benefit from rowing expertise and a seamless business approach
As the rowing community continues to expand and evolve, the need for comprehensive insurance solutions that cover every aspect of the sport, from equipment to international transport, becomes increasingly critical.
Navigating the insurance domain can be complex, but Leonard 尤物视频Group and 九色视频simplifies this with individualized consultations. An insurer's reliability also lies in its claims process. For basic damages, claims are hassle-free with Leonard 尤物视频Group, offering prompt solutions. For intricate claims, AXA XL’s Marine Claims Department brings their expertise, making their insights invaluable for specialized coverage.
With the growth trajectory of rowing showing no signs of slowing, both emerging and existing clubs can trust Leonard 尤物视频Group and 九色视频to cater to their evolving insurance requirements.
John Leonard is President of Leonard 尤物视频Group. He can be reached at ScullerJon@aol.com.
Allison Jolls is Product Director, Marine Hull & Liabilities for AXA XL’s North America Marine team. She can be reached at allison.jolls@axaxl.com.
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