Balaton Too Shallow: New Route for the Kékszalag? ⛵

The unusually low water level of Lake Balaton is causing serious headaches for the lake's largest sailing competition, the Kékszalag. By the start at the end of July, an average water level of only 55 centimeters is expected, which significantly complicates the safe start of classic boats with deeper drafts. The Hungarian Sailing Association has therefore decided to move the Keszthely buoy 1600 meters further east. This shortens the 150-kilometer distance measured in a straight line by 3.2 kilometers, but according to the organizers, at least ten percent of the field – primarily traditional, large keelboats – can still participate in the race. According to data from the Siófok water gauge, the current water level is 66 centimeters, and hydrological forecasts suggest a further ten-centimeter drop is possible until the start. For the Balaton-side settlements this change is noticeable from several aspects. In Balatonfüred, where the field starts on the morning of July 30, both organizers and spectators must adapt to the modified route. Around Keszthely, the observation points along the shore are also changing due to the buoy relocation. Among locals and holidaymakers, water shortage is increasingly a topic, affecting not only sailing but also beachgoing and tourism. The decision is clearly driven by safety: in the original position, there would only be two meters of water depth during the competition, which is risky for classic boats. The organizers emphasize that this way the competition remains open to the widest possible circle of the domestic sailing community. ⛵🌊 The Kékszalag thus remains Europe's oldest lake-circumnavigating race, but this year's modification well illustrates how sensitive Lake Balaton's water level is to weather conditions.

Forrás: 444.hu