About the racing
(Subject to Bristol City Council licensing & site permissions approval)
Dragon Boat Racing has its roots in competitive racing between villages in China more than 2000 years ago. It has re-emerged in modern times as an amateur international sport.
Dragon Boats are long elaborately decorated canoes with a dragon’s head and tail attached. There are wooden benches for the crew, a drummer at the bow and someone steering at the stern.
The Rotary Club of Bristol Breakfast started a Dragon Boat Festival in Bristol Docks in 2001 using professional event organisers.
It caters for all ages in one crew, male and female, mixed abilities and people with disabilities. It requires no previous experience and above all it’s great fun. A Dragon Boat is similar to a long canoe, which requires a crew of 17 including a drummer to participate in each race. The sport organisers provide all the boats, instruction, paddles, buoyancy aids and safety systems.
TEAMS REQUIRED Each team is asked to provide a crew of 17 including a drummer to participate in each race (must be a minimum crew of 13). All team members should be able to swim 50 yards in light clothing and the minimum age is 16. There will be a series of heats over a course of approximately 200 metres. Each team will race in at least three heats and the fastest six teams will then go through to the semi-finals and finals.
RAISING MONEY FOR CHARITY Teams will be raising money for local and other Rotary Charities unless otherwise agreed. This year we are raising funds for local and global charities supporting food poverty, education and homelessness.
AWARDS Prizes will be awarded to:
The winning teams
The best fancy dress teams
The team that raises the most sponsorship money
The individual who raises the most sponsorship money
All individuals who personally raise over £250 in sponsorship
LOCATION: The Dragon Boat Festival 2025 will take place at the Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol, close to the Cottage Inn.
DATE AND TIME: Sunday 8th June 2025. The first race will start at 10.00 a.m. 36 teams racing would be a full day with the final at around 5.00 p.m.