Coastal rowing under Hong Kong’s harbour skyline

The race format followed that of the World Rowing Coastal Championships, with a 4 km course around a series of buoys, challenging the skills and navigation of crews at the same time as managing the wind and waves of Hong Kong Harbour.

Making the most of Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, the race course took the rowers into the heart of the city where spectators enjoyed the sight of crews battling the buoy turns just metres from the city shorelines.

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The championships attracted nearly 80 crews from eight countries and regions with over 200 rowers. Medals were won by five countries, with Honk Kong taking the most – seven medals. Thailand followed with five medals, Taipei with three, Philippines with two and Indonesia with one.

Six events were held for men and women in the solo, double sculls and coxed quadruple sculls. The men’s solo and the men’s double sculls received the most entries and required preliminary heats.

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Several Asian federations have already indicated to the Asian Rowing Federation their intentions to bid for upcoming Asian Rowing Coastal Championships in the coming years indicating that coastal rowing looks to have a bright future across Asia.

This is the second time the Asian Rowing Coastal Championships have been held. Hong Kong will host the World Rowing Coastal Championships from 31 October to 3 November 2019 and these championships served as a preparation event for next year.

Copy thanks to Mike Tanner