The number of rowing teams taking part in the Ghent International Spring Regatta next weekend is up by a quarter. So far 1,300 teams have registered for this rowing extravaganza. It’s very noticeable that after Brexit dealt a major blow to British participation more and more British teams are again taking part.
Since Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union, started a lot of British teams stayed at home. "They were mainly put off by the extensive paperwork they had to fill in, but now suddenly they are signing up again," says a jubilant organiser Mike Gallet.
"During the last two editions, some big British clubs came anyway. They noticed that registration went more smoothly than expected. The small clubs that had dropped out then decided to register once again on the advice of the clubs that came to Ghent."
Clubs from all over the world
Every year the Ghent International Spring Regatta attracts rowing clubs from all over the world. "Besides Brits, many Germans and French teams attend. But there are also 2 Chinese teams participating," explains the organiser.
The Ghent International Spring Regatta starts at 9am both on the Saturday and the Sunday and lasts until 5pm. The biggest and best-known rowing clubs will sail their regatta in the afternoon.