World Rowing Coastal Championships

Coastal rowing - an adventurous & exciting version of rowing
In the sport of rowing, coastal rowing is growing quickly in popularity and is seen as an adventurous and exciting version of rowing. It is one of the fastest growing communities of rowers in the world. Compared to flat-water rowing, coastal rowing takes place in open water using boats which are more stable and specially designed to be rowed safely in rough water conditions. In the context of both recreation and competition, coastal rowing in open water is much more challenging, exciting and enjoyable since it requires teamwork as well as boat handling and rowing skills. There will be great excitement when cutting through waves lapping against your boat and sometimes washing over the deck. Coastal rowing may not be for the faint-hearted but you cannot replicate the feeling of catching a wave in challenging conditions.

World Rowing Coastal Championships - the first time ever in Asia
The World Rowing Coastal Championships (WRCC) has been held annually since 2006 and this is the first time for the event to be held in an Asian city. Hong Kong was awarded the right to host the Championships by the decision of the Annual Congress of the World Rowing Federation (FISA) at which FISA President Jean-Christophe Rolland announced the result in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida on 2 October 2017.

The 2019 WRCC will take place in the iconic Victoria Harbour from 1 to 3 November 2019, with the unique and picturesque metropolitan skylines of Central and Wan Chai as the backdrop. It is expected that up to 700 of the world's top coastal rowers will participate and compete along the beautiful coastline. The race course will pass by a number of iconic landmarks of Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Golden Bauhinia Square, the Tamar Park and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, where each of them will provide a close and exciting view of the race from different angles, such as by sea (via Star Ferry), on land or over the sky (on the Observation Wheel) for local spectators and overseas visitors.

"Row 'n' Rock" at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
Last year, we had the Asian Rowing Coastal Championships held along Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong. Now, adopting the same race course but on a much larger scale, we are going to host the 2019 WRCC to showcase again the city's charisma as one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The enchanting Victoria Harbour against the breathtaking skyline never fails to display the uniqueness of Hong Kong, i.e. glamorous, efficient, determined and energetic. There is almost no other venue that can be more captivating than our Victoria Harbour, the centre of Hong Kong.

As one of the busiest ports in the world, Victoria Harbor is often bustling with activities day and night, ranging from ferries shuttling between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island or cruise ships entering and leaving the port to freighters and barges carrying cargoes in and out of the harbour. Hosting the 2019 WRCC in such a special setting poses a big challenge to us, but it also promises the reward of creating a memorable world-class event. Embracing the harbour spirit of co-operation, the Organising Committee and its official partners and supporting organisations are all committed to, by making the event happen, providing an unforgettable experience for our international competitors and visitors while reinforcing Hong Kong's image as a hub for international water sports events.

In order to promote coastal rowing to the general public, the Organising Committee will stage the World Championships Festival at the Central Harbourfront. A designated area between the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and Central Pier 10 will be set aside to provide the "World Championships Square". Starting from early October 2019, a series of education and public engagement activities will be launched, including an exhibition introducing the past relationship between the sport of rowing and the harbour as well as the development of maritime industry in the city, a display of coastal rowing boats, photo-taking booths, music performances and interactive games. Moreover, coastal rowing experience days for the public will be arranged at Pier 10, during which rowing machines will be made available for participants to try rowing on land or in the water. There is no doubt that the excitement and momentum brought by the WRCC will add vibrancy and send positive vibes to Hong Kong.

The above information is provided by the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association.