Bathtub races
A bathtub race is either about getting to the finish line faster than the opponents in a self-built boat on a river or similar body of water, or about presenting the most beautiful boat that can swim. When building the boats in some races, it is important to note that a standard bathtub must serve as the basis . In other races, such as B. formerly the Régates de Baquet in front of the Völkerschlachtdenkmal in Leipzig , strict structural restrictions apply, but it is not mandatory to use a bathtub.
Since there are no building restrictions, damage can occur depending on the water and statics of the boat, which often leads to accidents .
history
Leipzig
The international bathtub race "Régates de Baquet" was considered to be the most traditional bathtub race in Germany and was organized by the sociocultural center naTo . It was one of the most popular in Germany and was held every summer between 1992 and 2015 in Leipzig. It took place directly at the Völkerschlachtdenkmal . Teams competed in the disciplines “short sprint”, “obstacle ride”, “large regatta” and “tub piercing” on the 1.50 meter deep water basin. In addition, the special prizes “family and environmentally friendly engineering” and “gold marks in the turning area” as well as the “design prize” were awarded.
Meanwhile, there is another bathtub race in Leipzig in the context of the water festival in Thekla .
Weischütz
The bathtub race in Weischütz ( Saxony-Anhalt ) has been taking place since 1997. It is held on the local river, the Unstrut . The time of the event is usually at the beginning of July for the annual "Unstrut party". The entire bathtub race is made up of several runs:
- Adults
- children
- Retro racing
- Gaudi races
In the first two categories, the focus is on competition. It is important to be the first to cross the destination, the Unstrut Bridge. Depending on the number of participants, the participants in the first two categories are divided into several runs. The winners will be determined from among the best in a final jump-off. The fun factor is at the fore in the fun race. Anything that can swim is allowed.
There have been some innovations over the years. On the one hand, the retro bathtub race was introduced. This discipline requires more skill and a greater sense of balance, because it is driven in "pure" tubs; d. H. the tubs are not converted or technically changed. In addition, the retro racing tub drivers are not allowed to use oars or paddles. Since this discipline is more difficult than the others, this run takes place over a shorter distance. From 2008 obstacles were built into the route. There are now several gates, each delimited by two buoys, which must be passed through in order to achieve a valid race result.
Würm (Geilenkirchen)
One of the most famous initiators of bathing sport is the Carnival Society KG Würmer Wenk eV 1949 from Würm near Geilenkirchen. It has been organizing the annual bathtub race on the Wurm , a small tributary of the Rur with its origins near Aachen, since 2000 . The race takes place as a time trial, but this bathtub race is all about the fun factor. Every year around 60 teams start every two minutes to conquer the famous 1.5 km long route including three rapids (Sohlgleiten). Because the focus is on having fun, not only the first place in the men's and women's teams (challenge cup) is awarded, but also places 11, 22, 33, etc. in carnival style. The race attracts between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors to the small river Wurm every year.
Over time, more and more events of this kind have sprung up across Germany.
equipment
First and foremost, you need a bathtub that is suitable for swimming, paddles and suitable safety equipment, e.g. B. a helmet or small marker buoys attached to the tubs so that a sunken tub can be recovered.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Régates de Baquet Leipzig bid farewell to the bathtub race before the Völki , lvz.de , July 12, 2015
- ↑ Bathtub race. Retrieved September 25, 2019 .
- ^ Unstrut party capsizes as Gaudi , Naumburger Tageblatt, July 28, 2013
- ↑ Spekatakel on the Wurm: 14th bathtub race , Aachener Zeitung, June 27, 2013