One of the most popular sailing regattas of Europe, the Kékszalag – Blue Ribbon, started on the 6th of July. Almost 500 yachts and sailors are taking part in the competition to be the fastest around Lake Balaton.
Kékszalag -The Blue Ribbon Race around Lake Balaton- is the oldest lake circumnavigation competition of Europe as the first race was sailed in 1934. Originally held once every two years (except in 1944 and 1946 because of the Second World War) and yearly since 2001, the sailing course has remained more or less the same: start and finish lines at Balatonfüred and an approximately 170 km long distance course in between without stopping, including turning marks at Balatonkenese at the eastern, and at Keszthely at the western end of Lake Balaton.
The Blue Ribbon is traditionally sailed in July on a weekend close to the full moon offering some lights for navigating at night. The race began yesterday morning, and the time limit is 48 hours to accomplish the course. The winner is the fastest boat but in addition different class winners are also awarded.
Now, you can have a taste of the competition through the photo collection below:
via: kekszalag.hu; origo.hu
photos: origo.hu; Áron Szántó, Boglárka Bodnár / MTI