Charity Dragon Boat Festival 2008

Sunday 25th May 2008

Organised by the Portsmouth & Southsea Rotary 
to raise money for the Rowans Hospice and the Naomi Children's Hospice
plus other Rotary charities

(sponsors may also nominate additional charities to benefit if they refer)

An opportunity for all - young and old- to have a great day out!

A great team building day for companies and organisations

What is dragon boat racing?

The sport dates back more than 2000 years to China's Mi-Lo river about 400BC. Today with over one million teams competing worldwide it is the second most popular sport on the planet. Dragon boats are long, elaborately decorated canoes with a dragon's head and tail attached. There are wooden benches for the crew as well as room at the helm for the drummer and space at the stern for the steersperson to stand. It caters for all ages in one crew, male and female aged 16 and over. The sport organisers provide all the boats, instructions, life jackets and safety systems.

The Portsmouth & Southsea Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is being supplied by Dragon Boat Events Ltd.

Teams required

Each tam is asked to provide a crew of 17 including a drummer to participate in each race, plus three reserves. There will be a series of heats over a course of approximately 250 metres. Each team will race in at least three heats and the fastest teams will go into the semi-finals and finals. All team members must be able to swim 50 yards in light clothing.

Supporting activities

There will be a professional race commentator and the day will conclude with a prize giving ceremony. There is room for supporters, complete with barbeques etc for picnics.

Charity Plans

Each team will be targeted top raise £800 in sponsorship which works out at an average of £50 per team member. The Rowans Hospice and the Naomi Children's Hospice will receive the bulk of the funds raised with the balance being given to other charities.

Awards

Prizes will be awarded to :-

• The first three boats

• The best placed ladies team (if not in the first three)

• The two best dressed teams

• The team which raises the most sponsorship money

• All individuals who raise  over £200 in sponsorship.

Entry Cost

There will be a booking fee of £300 for each team which is to cover the direct costs relating to the professional organisation of the day.

THERE WILL BE AN ENTRY LIMIT OF 30 BOATS SO REGISTRATION WILL BE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS

Location

The Dragon Boat Festival 2008 will take place at the Defense Diving School, Horsea Island, Portsmouth PO6 4TT

Map of Horsea Island

Date and time

Bank Holiday Sunday 25th May 2008. The first race will start at 10.00am with prize giving at around 4.00pm

Any Questions

Download Application Form