Riga to attempt world record for most people blowing foghorns simultaneously

Today, June 29, Riga will see an attempt to set a world record for blowing foghorns, marking the centenary of Latvian sailing and the opening of the international "Gulf of Riga Regatta" (GoRR).

Organizers say the official Guinness World Record attempt in the category "Most people blowing foghorns simultaneously" will take place from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Participants on yachts, boats, and other watercraft will gather on the Daugava River in the waters of the Port of Riga between the Vanšu Bridge and the Riga Passenger Terminal. To break the record, at least 250 participants must blow their foghorns simultaneously for at least ten seconds.

The foghorn was chosen as a safety device familiar to sailors, symbolizing unity and the ability to be heard. The Latvian Sailing Union (LBS) hopes to gather at least 500 participants from GoRR crews, LBS member organizations, and other sailing community representatives.

The attempt will be overseen by stewards, independent witnesses, and an official Guinness World Records judge, who will announce the result afterward. If successful, the record holders will be LBS and the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency.

GoRR is the Latvian Open Sea Sailing Championship and the Livonian Cup competition, which annually gathers about 500 participants and over 60 yachts from several Baltic Sea countries in the Port of Riga. This year marks the ninth edition of the regatta, which will run until July 3 along the route Riga–Kihnu–Pärnu. For the first time in the regatta's history, the fleet will stop at Kihnu Island in Estonia. After the opening events in Riga, sailors will compete in five race stages to determine the Latvian sea sailing champions and the Livonian Cup winner. The regatta's closing ceremony and award presentation will take place in Pärnu.

Spectators can watch the event from the Riga Passenger Terminal, where a festival will also be held.