In this regatta, the main goal is to reach the finish line without sinking. No matter how impressive the vessels look, all the structures are based on an ordinary bathtub. This playful race takes place in the Belgian town of Dinant, and this year marks the 42nd edition.
This year’s theme is Belgium, so participants dressed up as Smurfs, Tintin, or singer Jacques Brel, and decorated their boats with Belgian symbols.
“We (my friend and I) handcrafted a raft and thought about wearing costumes. But most importantly, we’re having a great time.”
This year, 42 bathtubs are participating in the regatta.
Maxence Adam, the organizer:
“I think the main thing is not to sink and to make it to the finish line. Participants can follow our theme or not, but the most important thing for the organizers, spectators, volunteers, and participants is to have an amazing day in the most beautiful city in the world.”
Two bathtubs sank along the way, but everyone who reached the finish line received a medal or another award. The judges evaluated originality, theme, and design.
The humorous regatta was first held in 1982, organized by a local shop owner who was inspired by a radio report about an Italian who floated down a river in a bathtub.
