The event was significantly extended from the 1970 edition, with the addition of both women's and lightweight men's events.
Six women boat classes were added, three lightweight men classes, plus quad scull for men, increasing the number of boat classes from seven in 1970 to seventeen in 1974.
This was also the last World Championships held on a quadrennial cycle – from this point, World Championships were held annually.
[3][4] Medalists at the 1974 World Rowing Championships:[3][4] Medals by country (including lightweight rowing events):[39][40] The following boats competed in the finals:[41] [42] The 1974 World Championships were the first that were attended by a female crew from New Zealand.
[43] The coxed four was crewed by Marion Horwell (stroke), Liz Cato, Robin Matheson, Lesley Keys, and Vicki Colville (cox).