English
The Chairman of the Riga City Council and the member of the Freeport of Riga Board Mr. Nils Ushakovs today has visited the newly created marina at Kipsala.
“The River Daugava flows through the city of Riga, but the city has just recently commenced to make use of the opportunities, provided by the extensive and easily accessible waterfront area. We have created a beautiful recreation area at Lucavsala, this week we plan to open the reconstructed Spikeru area and the Daugava River promenade between the Salu and Railway bridges, and residents of Riga can enjoy sunny weather at a new beach at Kipsala. The next step is development of a modern, well-equipped marina, that will extend the opportunities for people to relax by the water,” - says N.Ushakovs.
The water area, historically developed between the Daugava riverbed and Kipsala, from one side is limited by the Balasta Dam, and from the other – by the CDE Dam. The depth ensures relevant draught for nearly all classes of yachts and small sailing boats. The marina is being built in a traditional way, connecting floating pier modules in compliance with required layout. Submerged concrete blocks, attached to floating pontoons with special chains, are used as pier anchors. Total quay length is 795 m, providing simultaneous mooring for about 200 floating craft. For the time being, access to the pier is provided from the Balasta Dam side. The quay is equipped with 2 facility blocks, WC, guard house and a small boat shed. With the aim to preserve traditional Kipsala wood sheathing, high-quality larch was used for quay finishing.
“The current solution, providing access from the Balasta Dam, is a temporary option, in future after the CDE Dam reconstruction it is planned to connect floating pontoons with the CDE Dam, that will be more convenient for both visitors and residents of Kipsala - added the Mayor of Riga. – We will continue to improve the beach by establishing there a permanent beach rescue and security post”.
Currently, the association “Pilsētas jahtklubs (City yacht club)” is launching sailing sport training programs for children. For this purpose Pilsētas jahtklubs has acquired five new “Optimists” sailing boats for beginners. A prominent Latvian yachtswoman Ms. Vita Matisa, that twice took part in the Olympic Games, will provide training for children.
The Commander of the Associations Pilsētas jahtklubs Mr. Janis Grislis informs: “Sailing has become increasingly popular in Latvia, still sailing tradition is not in place, so by promoting children training the association Pilsētas jahtklubs creates foundation for a strong Latvian sailing tradition.”
So far, Riga children had an opportunity to learn how to sail only at Mangalsala and Kishezers. The Riga yacht club has much better location, besides a special path for children and small sailing boats was designed and built. The Freeport of Riga Authority provides yacht club facilities for children training for free. Please, contact Ms.Vita Matise, phone: 26 565 290, to register for future yachtsmen training.
