Rowing is a sport for dreamers, or so goes one of the most lyrical and widely shared definitions from a sporting tradition that rhymes with culture and aesthetics. Centuries of history. Countless traditions. Even more legends. And yet, watching boats glide between the Umberto I and Vittorio Emanuele I bridges — aerodynamic missiles powered by harmoniously synchronized and powerful bodies — still takes your breath away. Even in 2025. Especially in 2025.

On the waters of the Po River, the Sebago Rowing Cup was more than just a dreamlike showcase for a sporting art form that has long shined in the Olympic pantheon, in historic college rivalries, and in legendary regattas. It also served as a reminder of rowing’s deeper dimensions. Its philosophical side: the shared labor in pursuit of perfect synchronicity, where the highest form of individual performance is born from collective tension. Its identity: a sport that evokes a powerful sense of belonging, whether to a university, a club, or a national tradition. And its style: the aesthetic foundation of a discipline that has defined — and passed down — a unique visual language for generations, remaining beautifully timeless.

It’s no coincidence that Sebago chose to support such a rare and meaningful event in the Italian sporting landscape. Inspired from the start by the very name of a lake in Maine, and long embedded in the sailing, rowing and aquatic lifestyle, the American-born — and now Turin-based — brand gave us a way to enter a sporting world that has always known how to remain faithful to itself. And to its enduring beauty. 

We heard the testimonies of some of the athletes competing in the Sebago Rowing Cup: Bocconi Sport, Cambridge Boat Club, CUS Bari, CUS Roma, Oxford Boat Club, Young Stars Piemonte, Young Stars Torino, HEC Paris — a vibrant mosaic of young people in love with the sport and the global community it keeps generating.

What are the origins of your connection to rowing? And what does this sport represent for you today?

Ella Zagoury – HEC Paris: “I’m actually quite a new rower compared to most people competing here — I started rowing only about a year ago. Before that, I practiced judo and dance, both very individual disciplines. I came to rowing somewhat by chance, through friends who were already involved in it. When I started university, I was looking for a new sport, something different. I found something that was all about teamwork — exactly what I needed at that moment. I developed a strong connection with rowing because it’s so intense and demanding. You activate about 70% of your body’s muscles, so it’s physically exhausting — but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. Today, as president of my team, rowing represents both a personal challenge and a deeply meaningful collective experience. I’ve found more than a sport — I’ve found a family. It’s about unity, both on and off the water.”

Nicolò Carucci – Bocconi Sport: “I started rowing when I was 14. Right from the beginning, it became a way for me to express myself. Over time, it grew into a profession — it took me all the way to the Olympics — and today, it also represents a major academic opportunity. My relationship with rowing has evolved a lot: from a youthful passion to a professional athletic career, and now also a tool for personal and professional growth. What I appreciate is how many doors this sport opens — how many opportunities it creates. On the international stage, I’ve met so many interesting people. One of the things I love most about rowing is that sense of belonging to a global family: as a rower, you connect with people from everywhere.”

Esther Austin – Oxford Boat Club: “I got into rowing through coxing when I was about 10 or 11. My sister had started rowing, and my dad was coaching at the time. Both of my parents rowed at university — not at a super high level, but they were involved — so it was already part of our family culture. My dad needed a cox, and since I was small, I volunteered. That’s how it started. Then, in secondary school, I began rowing myself. So rowing has really been a part of my life for as long as I can remember — it’s shaped who I am. This sport brings out so many valuable qualities: teamwork, friendship, intensity, discipline, commitment, and time management. These are all things rowing has taught me, and they’re still part of my daily life. In many ways, rowing is part of my identity.”

Alberto Ciavarro – Young Stars Torino: “I started rowing as a kid. At first, it was just a fun game. Over time, it became a real commitment — almost like a job. Training twice a day to maintain a certain level is no easy task, but it has always remained a strong passion for me. Until last year, I used to train at 5:30 in the morning, head to work at 7:00, and then be back for evening practice at 5:30 pm. The secret to rowing is that it brings people together, especially in a team setting: working together helps you overcome obstacles and pushes you to give your best. For me, rowing is, first and foremost, still all about passion.”

Miranda Clements – Cambridge Boat Club: “Rowing has always been part of my family. Even before I was born, both of my parents rowed. As children, my dad would take us up and down the Thames in traditional Thames racing skiffs, so I was introduced to the sport very early on — really, before I can even remember. That said, my parents never pressured us. Rowing was always there, but never something we were pushed into. It wasn’t until university that I truly discovered it for myself — I learned how to row properly, and here I am. Today, this sport holds huge value for me, especially in terms of community. Some of the deepest friendships I’ve built have come through rowing. And as a woman in sport, having the chance to train alongside strong, determined women is something I see as a real privilege.”

Marco Madotti – Young Stars Piemonte: “My rowing journey started almost by accident — I began rowing with friends, just to spend time together. Then, competing and experiencing the thrill of winning made this sport become a part of me. I’ve now been rowing on these waters for about seven years, which makes it especially meaningful to take part in such a prestigious event like the Sebago Rowing Cup.”

Rowing is synonymous with a timeless sporting culture, rooted in history and legend. You are part of the new generation of this discipline. How do you experience the blend of past, present, and future that comes together in every race? For you, is rowing a sport, a cultural form, or a combination of both?

Ella Zagoury – HEC Paris: “It’s definitely a combination of both sport and culture. Rowing is part of the broader culture of sport, even though in France, for instance, it’s not considered a national sport and it’s not as visible or widespread as in other countries. Last year I studied abroad in Australia and had the opportunity to join the University of Melbourne’s rowing team. The mindset there is completely different. In Australia, rowing is very much a national sport — especially in Melbourne, which has so many clubs and a strong community around it. I think part of that comes from the Commonwealth legacy — Australia inherited a rich rowing tradition from Britain. It’s embedded in their cultural DNA. So yes, rowing absolutely blends sport and culture. You feel the weight of tradition at every regatta, but you also sense how the sport is evolving: each new generation brings its own energy to a centuries-old legacy.”

Nicolò Carucci – Bocconi Sport: “I’m really drawn to sports with a strong historical dimension — I’m fascinated by history in general, and rowing is soaked in it. Just look at the photographs from the 19th century, the early college teams… It’s captivating. For me, rowing is a sport, but also something more: it’s a way of life, a mindset. It’s been a constant in my life for many years and continues to play a central role. It definitely has a cultural side, in addition to the athletic one — and that’s a big part of what makes it so meaningful to me.”

Esther Austin – Oxford Boat Club: “It’s absolutely a combination of sport and culture. Even at home, I’ve always been very aware of the cultural side of rowing. If we talk about tradition, the Henley Royal Regatta is the perfect example — it’s an iconic event that represents the cultural heritage of the sport. That sense of history and tradition is definitely one of the reasons people stay so connected to rowing. That said, for me, rowing has always been first and foremost a sport. And a truly unique one — the level of synchronicity and precision required is incredible. That feeling of being perfectly in sync on the water… it’s amazing.”

Alberto Ciavarro – Young Stars Torino: “For me, it’s a fusion of both. We all admire the sport’s history — we look up to the greats and try to follow in their footsteps. But we also draw on the cultural side of rowing to approach today’s races with the right mindset. That combination — of honoring the past while competing in the present — is really what keeps the sport alive.”

Miranda Clements – Cambridge Boat Club: “At any race or regatta, you really feel the blend of past, present, and future coming together. You see junior rowers racing for the first time, masters still competing, and volunteers — often from older generations — all sharing the same space. It creates an environment where you can observe, learn from one another, see how people carry themselves, how they approach racing, and how they support each other. There’s a kind of natural exchange across generations. As for the second part of your question, I’d absolutely say that rowing is both a sport and a cultural form. Especially at international events like this one, you feel the meeting of different cultures. Each country brings something unique, but at the core, there’s always the same spirit of loyalty, teamwork, and tradition. It’s really special to see all of that come together in a single event.”

Marco Madotti – Young Stars Piemonte: “It’s definitely a fusion of both. Rowing has a deep cultural history, but it also demands athletic commitment, discipline, and very specific physical and mental conditions. So yes, to truly connect with this sport, you need a deep passion — one that embraces both its cultural richness and its competitive demands.”

Physical strength, rhythm, mental endurance, shared performance. Rowing brings together many different layers of thinking, defining the unique state of the art of this discipline. Which aspects do you train the most, and which do you consider most important for becoming a successful athlete and crew?

Ella Zagoury – HEC Paris: “I believe mindset is everything. You can’t afford to give up — and that mentality actually comes from being part of a crew. You’re not just responsible for yourself; you’re responsible for everyone in the boat. Your effort directly impacts the others. So having a strong mentality, staying mentally resilient, and always giving your best is essential. And communication is everything too. No one talks in the boat — except the cox — but there’s constant communication nonetheless. It’s just nonverbal. You have to feel each other, sense the rhythm, and stay perfectly in sync. Open communication builds trust, and trust makes the crew stronger. Of course, physical performance matters. But in the end, if everyone is genuinely motivated to move as one — both physically and emotionally — that’s the best formula for success.”

Nicolò Carucci – Bocconi Sport: “As in any sport, it’s the mental component that truly makes the difference. An elite athlete’s career is full of highs and lows — you have to know how to face every challenge, every moment of pressure. A race is nothing like training: there are expectations, stress, and the unexpected. Of course, physical preparation is fundamental too, but for me, mindset is key. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and I’ve seen it in my teammates as well: those who really stand out always have something extra in their head. We train 35 hours a week — it’s tough for everyone. Whether you’re performing well or struggling, you still have to push through. And to do that, you need mental strength. It’s what keeps you going when things get hard, and in the end, it’s what leads you to success.”

Esther Austin – Oxford Boat Club: “I honestly find it difficult to separate those elements, because in rowing, they blend together and are equally essential. You can have someone who’s incredibly athletic and technically solid, but if they lack mental strength, they’ll still hit a wall they can’t get past. So yes, I’d say it’s truly a combination of three factors: mind, body, and technique. I’m not sure which one is easiest to train — maybe mental strength comes more naturally to some people, as a personality trait… Whereas technique, for example, is something that can be taught and improved consistently. In the end, you need all three to succeed.”

Alberto Ciavarro – Young Stars Torino: “To become a successful athlete, especially in rowing, you can’t afford to be superficial. Races are decided by seconds — and when you lose by just one, it stings. You quickly learn that every detail matters. Everything is crucial: technique on the water, physical conditioning in the gym, strength, even nutrition. We have to stay in a specific shape, at a specific weight, and that requires discipline and attention. Every aspect plays a precise role — and training them all is essential if you really want to make a difference.”

Miranda Clements – Cambridge Boat Club: “In rowing, you have to train both body and mind. Physically, you need cardiovascular endurance and strength, but the psychological side is just as important — if not more. What makes rowing so unique is how all these elements have to integrate in order to build a complete athlete. You can train your body all you want, but it’s often the mind that either holds you back or pushes you further. Building real mental resilience — learning to push past your limits, stay focused, and not give up — is often what separates good athletes from great ones. Tenacity, determination, and a sense of responsibility are all fundamental qualities. And of course, teamwork is crucial. Rowing is one of the ultimate team sports, and the ability to collaborate, communicate, and trust your crew is just as important as individual performance.”

Marco Madotti – Young Stars Piemonte: “Physical strength is definitely central. You have to train it — without a strong engine, the boat just doesn’t move. But the crew dynamic is just as important: being able to create a healthy collaboration, a kind of mutual understanding and equality in the boat — that’s what makes things smoother. And it’s what leads to victory.”

This sport has always had a clear aesthetic component. Can you tell us what role uniforms, style, and elegance play in your relationship with the sport? And speaking of aesthetics again, what are the visual details that you like the most about the rowing environment?

Ella Zagoury – HEC Paris: “I think when people say aesthetics don’t matter in sport, they’re missing something essential. In rowing, aesthetics play a big role—especially during competition. We’ve talked about how rowing isn’t really a national sport in France. Well, I believe that investing in its visual identity is one of the key ways to grow its appeal. Uniforms are a big part of that. Wearing the same kit unites us. It creates a sense of belonging and identity. It reinforces the idea that we’re a crew, a team, moving as one body. It also connects us to the deep heritage of rowing: the classic regattas, the Henley Royal Regatta, Oxford and Cambridge… that iconic old-school navy style. We don’t have formal blazers like Cambridge, but we do have our racing kits, our training suits. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re on the water and see a crew rowing in perfect synchronicity, all in matching, elegant uniforms—it’s powerful. It catches the eye. It conveys strength and refinement. That visual consistency adds a layer of magic to the sport. There’s something timeless and harmonious about rowing movements… and when you understand the physical effort behind them, it becomes even more impressive. Sometimes you’re just walking along a river and you see a boat gliding across the water, perfectly in sync, clean lines… and you just think: wow. The visual legacy and identity are part of what makes rowing so special.”

Nicolò Carucci – Bocconi Sport: “From the very beginning, since the early British colleges, rowing has always had an incredibly strong style. It’s been a pioneer not just in sport, but also in aesthetics—it’s even influenced major fashion trends and brands. Above all, a fast boat also has to be beautiful: when a crew is perfectly synchronized, you can see it. That external beauty reflects internal efficiency. A beautiful boat is a fast boat—this concept comes up again and again, because symmetry, harmony, and elegance are directly tied to performance. I really enjoy the more vintage elements too—the classic rowing look has timeless charm. Personally, I appreciate when certain aspects of traditional elegance are preserved. This is a physically demanding sport, yes, but it’s also deeply elegant. And I think it’s right that it continues to express that identity.”

Esther Austin – Oxford Boat Club: “What I truly love about the aesthetics of rowing—and I always come back to this—are the blazers. Coming here and seeing everyone in their own blazers was an unforgettable experience. Each one is so unique: the colors, the trim… They immediately tell you which club or university someone belongs to. They’re also a great conversation starter. You recognize a blazer, and suddenly you have a reason to go up to someone and chat. It creates a strong sense of connection within the global rowing community. There’s a shared language in how we dress—it brings people together. I still remember the first time I wore the Oxford racing kit, and also the New Zealand one. Putting on your racing uniform for the first time is such a meaningful moment. You feel the history behind it, and you remember all the work it took to earn the right to wear it. It’s something special.”

Alberto Ciavarro – Young Stars Torino: “In Italy, we don’t have the same strong aesthetic tradition around uniforms that you find in some other countries. Here, people might wear different outfits to celebrate a particular regatta, or just simple tracksuits and more casual gear. Of course, our clubs have their own colors and uniforms, and when we row for the national team, we wear the Azzurro—which represents us. But we’re very aware of the visual heritage of this sport. For instance, some of my teammates and I enjoy adding personal touches, like wearing caps from other countries—we sometimes collect and wear them. It’s a small way of expressing identity within the broader aesthetic culture of rowing.”

Miranda Clements – Cambridge Boat Club: “One thing that’s quite unique about rowing, compared to many other sports, is the equality in training and racing apparel: men and women wear the same gear. Unlike gymnastics or track and field, for example, we all wear the same kit, and we look the same on the water. That creates a real sense of equality. We’re all on the same level, and being part of that system is something truly special. Even at mixed events like this one, there’s a sense that everyone’s working together, as equals. At the Olympic level too, rowing offers the same number of events for men and women—that sends a powerful message. In the UK, especially in university rowing, women’s rowing is growing rapidly and reaching near parity. That’s a huge step forward, and I think having identical uniforms helps reinforce that equality. Beyond the racing kits, there are iconic events like the Henley Royal Regatta, where aesthetics shift entirely. The blazers, for example, are a cornerstone of the culture—they represent tradition, pride, and belonging. Wearing one is a way of expressing where you come from and what you’re part of, and that adds a rich cultural layer to the sport.”

Marco Madotti – Young Stars Piemonte: “I really love the aesthetic of rowing. I’m fascinated by how athletes dress—especially in certain parts of the world, in certain universities… But at the same time, I’m also captivated by the harmony that’s created when the boat hits the water and starts gliding… That overall sense of visual harmony is what inspires me most about this sport.”