PORT Macquarie residents and visitors will be given a rare opportunity this long weekend to see dragon boat racing at its very best.
Dragon boat racing has a long and esteemed history dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (770BC to 256BC), but is a popular modern sport and Australia’s fastest-growing water sport.
Today, the 12-metre-long boats – which are decorated to feature the head and tail of a dragon – can seat up to 22 people, including a sweep to steer the vessel and a drummer to inspire the rowers with a rhythmic beat.
The local Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie club’s annual regatta is one of the largest dragon boat competitions on the Mid North Coast, with more than 270 paddlers competing in 26 races over two days.
Teams from Armidale, Nowra, Dubbo, Port Hacking, Penrith and Newcastle have entered as well as local Mid North Coast teams the Kempsey River Rats, Camden Haven and Great Lakes Pearl Dragons.
On Saturday eight teams will compete in a 20km marathon race along the Hastings River and on Sunday there will be a sports regatta where the teams race over the shorter 200m distances. The marathon commences at 2pm and the regatta at 8.30am, both at McInerney Park.
Flamin’ Dragons president Andrew Blundell said he would love to see the people of Port Macquarie come down and support the club’s regatta.
“It is a great opportunity to see dragon boat racing at its best and you never know, it might inspire you to give it a go and come to one of newbie sessions on a Saturday morning,” he said.
For more information about dragon boat racing in Port Macquarie, visit the club’s website at www.flamindragonsportmacquarie.org.au or contact Mr Blundell 0412 973 807.
