Turin, Italy, capital of international rowing: this will be next Saturday and Sunday 7th, 8th November in occasion of the 18th Silver Skiff, a long distance regatta for scullers only. The 11 kilometres regatta takes place on the Po river with start and finish at the Reale Società Canottieri Cerea (Cerea Royal Rowing Club).
The presentation press conference held at the Reale Società Canottieri Cerea, saw several renowned guests: the vice-president of the Italian Rowing Federation Mr.Stefano Comellini, the spokes-man for Sport of the Turin Municipality Mr. Giuseppe Sbriglio, the onorary president of the Italian Rowing Federation Mr. Gian Antonio Romanini, the president of the regional rowing committee Mr. Stefano Mossino and the professor of medicine Paolo Cavallo ( Diabetes Italy); apart from them, there were also the president of the Reale Società Canottieri Cerea Mr.Umberto Dentis and the Silver Skiff OC president Mr.Alberto Ronco.
Entry boom from all over the world for a total number of 796 entries: 528 the male and female scullers racing next Sunday while the young boys and girls (aged from 11 to 14) will take part in the traditional Kinder Skiff regatta next Saturday on a 4 kilometres course.
A total of 19 countries will be represented: Italy (379 Scullers), Switzerland (40), USA (23), Germany (18), Austria (14), France (11), Netherlands (8), Sweden (7), Great Britain (6), Spain (5), Australia (2), Belgium (3), the Principality of Monaco (3), Poland (2), New Zealand (3), Czech Republic (1), Egypt (1), Russia (1), Denmark (1).
"We are really pleased with the great number of entries as we have had an increase of 25% compared with 2008"- the president of the Reale Societa Canottieri Cerea Mr. Umberto Dentis said -and added" We wish to thank our sponsor Filippi and the Italian rowing clubs for the support they have given us placing 58 boats at our disposal for the event."
Several stars of rowing will be racing in this 2009 Silver Skiff edition: from New Zealand, the World Campion (2005, 2006, 2007) and Olympic bronze medal in Beijing, Mahé Drysdale who set the Silver Skiff record ( 40' 18"5) last year . He has won the last three editions of the regatta. There will be another New Zealander World Champion, Nathan Cohen who will try to sell his life dearly, and the American Michael Sivigny ( second behind Drysdale last year).
In the women's race keep an eye on Emma Twigg (New Zealand) Olympic silver medal in Beijing 2008, and the Russian Yulia Levina, Olympic bronze medal in Sydney 2000: the winner will succeed to the Czech, Mirka Knapkova who was the winner last year.
Italy lines up some of its champions: six times Silver Skiff winner, the light weight Elia Luini wants to cut a fine figure following the silver medal won at the European Champs and the bronze one at the World Champs, both in the LM 2x.
Marcello Miani will be racing too. He shared the podium with Luini at the 2009 World Champs. Lorenzo Bertini, LM4x World Champion and silver medal with Luini at the Continental Champs in Belarus. Daniele Gilardoni, he has won his 10th World title this year. Giorgio Tuccinardi, 23 was the LM 4- stroke man at the World Champs in Poznan, and the Motta brothers, Luca and Matteo.
The Kinder Skiff regatta will start on Saturday at 01,30 pm: the regatta formula sees starts every 20 seconds. The 4 kilometres course winds on the Po river turning around the buoy at Piscina Lido.
The Silver Skiff regatta will start on Sanday at 10,00 am. The 11 kilometres course includes a buoy turning at The Moncalieri islet.
In occasion of the event, it will be possible to visit an exhibition about the history of Italian rowing at the Reale Società Canottieri Cerea.