Storm damage brings out rowing solidarity

At the end of the first day of racing a short and violent storm swept through the Racice regatta venue causing damage to several boats.

The boat damage included nine boats, predominantly coxed fours, that were rendered unrowable – eight of them permanently.

The International Rowing Federation, FISA’s executive director Matt Smith said, “Big efforts have been made and tremendous acts of sportsmanship have taken place. Credit goes to the Czech Rowing Federation and their clubs for providing two coxed fours and one double scull. Two German rowing clubs “Berliner” Rowing Club and “RG Wiking” Rowing Club have provided one coxed four each. Italy’s Filippi Lido Racing Boats have made a special transport today of two Filippi coxed fours. Germany’s Empacher Racing Boats have offered a new coxed four and the Australian Rowing Federation has as well provided a coxed four.

“In addition to this, the German Rowing Federation has provided boats for Moldova’s Men’s Pair and Belarus’ Men’s Four among others. We also have Wintech Racing Boats offering boats free of charge to developing countries.

“The Polish Rowing Federation had a driver go through the night so that their Women’s Eight could get another boat to replace their heavily damaged one. And thanks go to all the boat and oar manufacturers, some in joint repair efforts, that made very speedy repairs all morning long to get the crews on the water.”

Smith concluded, “These fantastic acts of sportsmanship in rowing are usual for rowers but they should never go without proper recognition.”