At the end of August, when the eights launch into Jazine, Zadar takes on a different rowing atmosphere for the evening. The course is short, spectators are close to the water, and after the last stroke come medals, a photograph of both crews and time together. That was the case at the 13th Jadran Eights Match Race, where we once again accepted the invitation of our friends from Rowing Club Jadran Zadar.
Our eight had one true match race ahead: 500 metres against the hosts, from the head of the bay towards the city bridge. Jadran was faster this time and won in 1:20.41. We crossed the line in 1:26.28 to finish second.
The medal ceremony and a shared photograph of both crews followed the finish. The result is remembered, but the purpose of this match race has stayed the same over the years: clubs meeting, people who live rowing spending time together after the race. We thank VK Jadran Zadar for the invitation and their hospitality. We are always glad to return to Jazine.
The day before the Zadar match race brought another piece of good news. Nika Cetina competed in the control race known as “Crta”. This was not a conventional regatta, but an individual-start test over 2,000 metres, with each rower racing against the clock.
In difficult, windy weather, Nika recorded 8:43.24, the fastest time among the junior women. The performance secured her a place in the Croatian national team for the Balkan Rowing Championships, to be held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on 12–13 September. According to coach Ivan Rebić, she will race the junior women's double sculls with Zara Dražić of Iktus Osijek.
We return from Zadar with second place and photographs of another friendly meeting, while Nika now begins her preparations for Plovdiv and another appearance in Croatian colours.
The official Zadar regatta results are available in the combined start list and results.
