Dragons set sail for Dublin

DRAGON boat racing is believed to be the second largest sport in the world with over 50 million people from 76 countries participating in events annually.

Now you too can experience the excitement of the sport close to home.

Registration has opened for the annual Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, in Grand Canal Dock.

Entries for the two-day event, which is sponsored by Waterways Ireland, are being accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Members of the public are being reminded to register their team now (see www.dragonboat.ie) to avoid disappointment and to join the hundreds of paddlers from Ireland and abroad who will be competing at the event.

The regatta is co-hosted by the Irish Dragon Boat Association (IDBA) and the Plurabelle Paddlers.

The Plurabelle Paddlers was set up in 2010 by a group of women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the event, they aim to raise awareness of the illness and keep fit at the same time.

Based at Grand Canal Dock, they train on the water twice a week from March to November and have members aged from early 30s to 70 plus.

The races, which will be run over 200-metre and 400-metre distances, will also include Under 18s and international categories. Teams travelling from the UK and Germany have already registered and those from as far afield as Dubai and Trinidad and Tobago are hoping to participate in the colourful event.

Dragon boat teams for the regatta will consist of 16 to 20 people, along with a drummer.

Each team will be supplied with an experienced helms person for their race. Entry fees per team for the two-day event cost $425 (adults) or $225 (under 18s).

Julie Doyle, chairman of the Irish Dragon Boat Association (IDBA), said it’s easy to see why dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing watersport.

“As a sport it is not only competitive, but it is also very sociable and great fun too,

? said Ms Doyle.

“What’s more, no experience is required and the competition is open to people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. So, there’s no excuse not to give it a go!

?

Ms Doyle said dragon boat racing is also a fantastic team-building activity and has proven popular with the corporate and community sectors in Ireland and abroad.

“Last year’s Dublin regatta saw corporate teams representing companies of all sizes – from small local businesses to large multinationals,

? she added.

“This year, the event will include the

‘Go for IT’ race specifically for technology companies, many of whom are located near the Grand Canal Dock.

?

Fiona Tiernan, founder of Plurabelle Padders, said:

“We really enjoy co-hosting the Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta and welcome both novice and experienced teams to our training ground.

“It’s set to be a hectic, but fun couple of days and we love when work colleagues, school friends, and extended families enter a team and get involved.

“You can raise funds for any chosen charity or even turn up in fancy dress. We have a prize for the wackiest team outfit!

?

Proceeds from the event will go towards Plurabelle Paddlers and to the development of dragon boat racing in Ireland.

For further information, visit www.dragonboat.ie or email [email protected]

For further information on the Plurabelle Paddlers, visit www.plurabellepaddlers.com.