The Watersportbaan is a five lane rowing race course in the Belgian city of Ghent. It is 2300 meters long and 76 meters wide and was first used in 1954. Despite most major international FISA regattas are designed to adhere to the 8-lane Albano format, this race track is suited for 2 medium-sized international FISA Regattas, but also for smaller competitions. The two annual regattas are Spring Regatta (Spring Regatta) and Meiregatta (May - Regatta). Anther exception to the FISA indication is the Henley Royal Regatta. Matches on both sides may be close and seats are available only on the full last 250m stretch. This urban facility near the city center has a the direct connection with the numerous adjoining rivers and canals such as the Coupure (Gent) the Graslei, the Ghent-Bruges Canal and the Lys (river), of which a side arm also flows through the rowing course. This makes them more attractive to students and recreational boating. The Watersportbaan was a project in the old Ghent Neermeersen after the Second World War. The part to the 1500 line was already part of the Leie River. What is now the current finish line was a dump. The project consisted of social housing, a small shopping center, schools and a central element Watersportbaan. The original name, 'Geo Nachez' refers to the deputy and club chairman from that time. The excavated soil was used as landfill to stabilize the marshy Meersen. The job was created for the European Rowing Championships in Ghent of 1955. It is today a haven for various athletes. Water sports such as rowing and kanopolo are practiced on the river by both Civil clubs such as Royal Club Nautique de Gand, the multiple and first foreign Grand Challenge Cup and lso Thames Challenge Cup 2001 - winners and a new Ghent Students Rowing. A Finnish track of 5000 metres was constructed around the course that is often used by joggers. The area includes a recreation area and the International Indoor Flanders Sports Arena.