Chukotka regatta on traditional kayaks postponed due to bad weather

Bad weather prevented the traditional race on Chukchi-Eskimo leather canoes “Beringia-2023” (6+) in the village of Lorino, Chukotka region. Strong winds and high waves forced the organizers to postpone the competition a few days later. The decision was made jointly with the race participants, Chukotka news agency reports.

The district competition was originally scheduled to start on Saturday, August 5 and end the next day. But the weather intervened. According to the weather forecast, heavy rain and wind with gusts of up to 22 meters per second are expected on the coast at this time.

“The offsite meeting of the organizing committee took place. We went to Lorino, I personally talked with the participants. We came to a joint conclusion that due to the unfavorable weather forecast – strong wind, rain and waves, it is necessary to postpone the race. Participants are accommodated and provided with everything necessary,” said Larisa Yurochko, head of the Chukotka region.

Bad weather will last in the Lorino area, at least until the end of the week. Therefore, by decision of the organizing committee, the start of the two-day competition was postponed to August 11.

On the same days, a sports program (6+) will take place – races in canoes and kayaks – singles, competitions in national sports. On August 11 and 12, it is also planned to hold an exhibition – a fair of craftsmen (0+), a competitive program among bonfire hostesses (0+), performances by creative teams from Lorino and Lawrence (0+), competitions among children (0+).

The only event that was not postponed was the folklore festival “Bering bridge – bridge of friendship” (0+). The competition program among the ensembles will take place on August 5 and 6 at the House of Culture of Lorino.

According to updated data, 20 teams have applied for participation in the Beringia-2023 regatta. Among them are nine women’s teams from the villages of Lorino, Lavrentiya, Inchoun, Uelen and Yanrakynnot. Six men’s teams from the villages of Lorino and Yanrakynnot, three teams of boys from Lorino and Uelen, two teams of girls from Lorino. Four teams from Lorino and Lavrentiy will take part in the family swim.