Česky
While last year one crew from Hořovice and one from Beroun entered the race, this year the Hořovice hospital had two crews in the race and the Beroun rehabilitation hospital even three. Friday was devoted to crew training and strategizing, first on the water and then in the camp with good drinks and live music, resulting in individual crew members meeting on Saturday morning as if they had already completed the race. "We are happy to be here again after a year," commented František Hamouz, head of maintenance at the Hořovice hospital, who was with his whole family on the hospital crew for the second time. "Last year was a very successful event, so we are looking forward to seeing how we will do this time." And it went really well. The first crew placed 19th out of a field of 38 crews, and the second crew was right behind in 22nd place. In the corporate category, the Hořovice hospital took a nice 4th place.
"But what is more important than the results themselves is that we could meet together outside work, relax and try an activity that is not so traditional. We are already looking forward to next year, I believe we will be a bit better again," concluded Mr. Hamouz.
The boats, derived from the god of the waters, the dragon, are 12.5 metres long and can accommodate 20 paddlers, 10 on the left and 10 on the right. The final twenty-two crew members are then supplemented by a coxswain standing at the stern and a drummer sitting on a high stool at the front, who beats a leather drum to set the rhythm of the paddling. The bows and sterns of the boats are decorated with a carved dragon's head and tail.
In the gallery below you can see photos from the whole event.
