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Racing under Istanbul’s city lights

30/09/2008

Right in the centre of Istanbul, Turkey, the Golden Horn estuary has become the home of the annual Golden Horn Night Rowing Regatta. In its second year the Golden Horn Night Regatta is set to be an annual attraction on the Istanbul activities calendar.

But bad weather on the planned race day, Saturday (27 September) evening postponed racing until Sunday evening. Sunday turned out to be fine and racing over the 300m course got away at 8pm.

Using lane lights and the lights from Istanbul City, 200 rowers raced on calm waters. The racing was divided into two categories – men and women. The Sisecam Rowing Club from Turkey won the women’s category followed by RG Angaria from Bulgaria with Anadoluhisari from Turkey finishing third. The Sisecam Rowing Club also won the men’s section followed by the Galatasaray Rowing Club from Istanbul and Bulgaria’s Cherpekov Rowing Club finished third.

Rowers from Bulgaria and Germany competed as well as rowers from 16 Turkish rowing clubs. The junior men’s double was the most popular event with nine clubs racing.

Last year was the inaugural Golden Horn Night Regatta and, in perfect weather conditions, 20,000 spectators came to watch. But the bad weather conditions and subsequent postponement meant just 2000 people watched this year on the Sunday evening. President of the Turkish Rowing Federation Cetin Ozturk said that the lower turnout was due to the weather conditions.

Last year floodlights were used to light the lanes, but after feedback from the athletes this was changed. “Last year the lanes were illuminated from the shore. But the light from the shore disturbed the umpires and athletes,” said Ozturk. “This year instead the lanes were designed so that each pontoon had a battery LED in it.”

As an incentive for foreign participation, the accommodation and meals costs were paid for by the Turkish Rowing Federation. Ozturk added, “It is planned for next year that the Turkish Rowing Federation will also contribute to the travelling costs and prizes will be given to the winners.”

There is every indication that this regatta will become bigger and have greater international appeal.

For more information: www.tkf.org.tr