Yep, GC is Grasshoppers. There are some guys who row there occasionally who can't speak much German at all. Plus lots of them speak and are happy to speak good English.

Joining isn't too hard, just get in contact with the head coach and after a while they'll get you to fill out the forms. Our first race was sunday, Zürich-Thalwil which was pretty mad but good fun. Plans are afoot for the rest of the season, though nothing is defined yet.

As for the standard, there are some ex-international lwts knocking about, plus the odd hwt, but also juniors, more 'club-level' rowers (like me). As for 2k times for the 1st VIII...not sure. They were Swiss champions last year, and they want to defend it, and i think that means some guys will be coming back for that. PM me if you want more info, that way we can spare everyone else the erg time chat...