Sulkava rowing festival draws 2,100 competitors

Finland’s largest rowing event, the Sulkava church-boat regatta, has attracted around 2,100 rowers this year, Yle reports. The gathering brings the 2,300-resident municipality to life.

Participation has risen since the coronavirus pause; five years ago, about 1,600 rowers took part. The record was set in 2003 with over 10,200 competitors.

Low water levels have forced organisers to alter the adventure routes. Race director Heikki Joskitt urges teams to study the route map and stay on marked paths. Last year, a 25 km adventure route saw a few groundings due to uncharted rocks, though no serious damage occurred.

One crew, Vilan Melauttajat, began the Friday evening race at 15:00 with a mix of first-timers and veterans. Captain Walter Ilander said they had skipped specific training, preferring bench presses and dance steps. Rookie Sakari Saarela praised the captain’s advice, noting hydration is key. Another first-timer, Markus Pruukka, joined without hesitation despite no prior experience.

The team aims for strong overtakes and the finish-line feeling of self-victory. The 60 km king’s course starts near Hakovirta bridge, while recreational and adventure routes depart from the rowing stadium in Sulkava centre.

The event, held since 1968, features 15-person crews—14 rowers and a coxswain who steers and sets the pace. Many teams are groups of friends, classmates, or colleagues.