Hel van het Noorden
Encyclopedia
The Hel van het Noorden is a rowing
race over the distance of 6 kilometres (3.7 mi). The Groninger Studenten Roeivereniging Aegir
(Groningen Student Rowingclub Aegir) has organised the head race
annually since 1975.
As the race takes place in the last weekend of November the weather is often cold and stormy, hence the name 'Hell of the North'.
. This made a move to the Eemskanaal necessary.
The race is traditionally rowed in the single scull
or the coxless pair
. Less popular are the coxed pair
and the double scull
. The Hel van het Noorden is nowadays an important moment to qualify for the Dutch
national rowing team.
Rowing (sport)
Rowing is a sport in which athletes race against each other on rivers, on lakes or on the ocean, depending upon the type of race and the discipline. The boats are propelled by the reaction forces on the oar blades as they are pushed against the water...
race over the distance of 6 kilometres (3.7 mi). The Groninger Studenten Roeivereniging Aegir
G.S.R. Aegir
The Groningen Student Rowing Club Aegir is a Dutch rowing club, founded 7 February 1878 as a subsidiary organization of Vindicat atque Polit, a Groningen Student Corporation....
(Groningen Student Rowingclub Aegir) has organised the head race
Head race
A head race is a time-trial competition in the sport of rowing, also known as crew to a few USA organizations. Head races are typically held in the fall and spring seasons. These events draw many athletes as well as observers...
annually since 1975.
As the race takes place in the last weekend of November the weather is often cold and stormy, hence the name 'Hell of the North'.
History
Until 1988 the race took place on the Van Starkenborghkanaal. After the old boathouse 'De Punt' burned down, G.S.R. Aegir moved to a new location at the WinschoterdiepWinschoterdiep
The Winschoterdiep is a canal in the province Groningen of the Netherlands. It leads to the Rensel, which is actually part of this canal. Construction was started in 1618 and finished in 1634. The Winschoterdiep's total length is 35.5 kilometres, and it is approximately 100 metres in width. Sixteen...
. This made a move to the Eemskanaal necessary.
The race is traditionally rowed in the single scull
Single scull
A single scull is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for a single person who propels the boat with two oars, one in each hand....
or the coxless pair
Coxless pair
A Coxless pair is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for two rowers, who propel the boat with sweep oars.The crew consists of a pair of rowers, each having one oar, one on the stroke side and one on the bow side...
. Less popular are the coxed pair
Coxed pair
A coxed pair is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for two persons who propel the boat with sweep oars and is steered by a coxswain....
and the double scull
Double scull
A double scull is a rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. It is designed for two persons who propel the boat by sculling with two oars, one in each hand....
. The Hel van het Noorden is nowadays an important moment to qualify for the Dutch
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
national rowing team.