Question 1

WHAT IS DRAGON BOAT RACING?

Accepted Answer

Originating in China 2,000 years ago, dragon boats have  up to 10 rowers sitting side by side in a 30ft-long canoe, with a helm to steer (provided!), and a drummer sitting up high in front, beating out the rhythm. The boats are fitted with a colourful dragon’s head; a truly impressive sight at speed

Question 2

DO I NEED TO BUILD MY OWN BOAT?

Accepted Answer

No, we supply the boats, arranged through a reputable organisation called “NewWave Events”, who are affiliated to the British Dragon Boat Association, and who supply all the necessary equipment (including life jackets), helms, race officials, and safety/back up boats.

Question 3

HOW MANY ROWERS DO I NEED IN MY TEAM?

Accepted Answer

A maximum of 10, plus a drummer who sits in the front of the boat, facing your team, beating out a suitable rhythm for you to row to! All crew members must be able to swim 50 metres in light clothing and in moving water. Minimum age to take part is 16 years old.

Question 4

WHERE ARE THE RACES HELD, AND HOW LONG ARE THEY?

Accepted Answer

Races are held in the Docks Basin of Gloucester Docks. Each race starts beneath the swing bridge on Llanthony Road, and finishes more or less level with “Greek at the Docks” at Merchants Quay; a course length of approx. 300m.

Question 5

HOW MANY RACES DOES EACH TEAM TAKE PART IN?

Accepted Answer

This will depend upon the number of teams who enter, but if the format is the same as in previous years, then each team will have a minimum of 3 races. The top 6 teams then go into 2 semi-finals, and the top 3 teams then proceed to the final.

Question 6

WHAT TIMES ARE THE RACES?

Accepted Answer

There will be AM ( 9.30-1pm), or PM (1-5.30pm) races, both having the same format, and each involving approx. 15 teams.  Your team will  be involved for half a day and you can choose whether you prefer AM or PM, but this will be subject to availability at the time of booking so book early!

Question 7

WHAT ARE WE RACING FOR?

Accepted Answer

We hope you have a great day taking part in this unusual event. Every year, the feedback we get from teams is that they love taking part, and having a great time!  The fastest (the AM & PM winners) will be the proud owners, for 1 year, of the “Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn Dragon Boat Shield".

Question 8

WHICH CHARITIES ARE INVOLVED?

Accepted Answer

Various  charities supported by our Rotary Club and will, we trust, benefit from lots and lots of money raised from the event!  The “Headline Charity” chosen again this year is the well-known local charity, Young Gloucestershire who support vulnerable young people from across Gloucestershire.

Question 9

ARE THERE OTHER PRIZES?

Accepted Answer

There are prizes, morning and afternoon, for the “Best Turned Out” teams (can be “fancy dress” or “matching t-shirts” or whatever bright “theme” idea you come up with!) and the “Best Mixed” teams (i.e. male and female, normally minimum of 4 ladies in your race team).

Question 10

WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO ENTER PER TEAM?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a whole morning/afternoon of entertainment is just £995.  We do hope that teams will raise more in sponsorship via www.justgiving.com/rotary-glos

Question 11

WHAT ELSE HAPPENS ON RACE DAY?

Accepted Answer

There will be an ice-cream van or two, plus the racing to watch so there's plenty going on.  The event in May 2023 saw literally thousands of spectators waterside, the atmosphere in the docks was tremendous, and the docks really came alive! So do bring your family and friends along.

Question 12

PARKING ETC

Accepted Answer

There IS ample car parking facilities at the docks and nearby (we will supply details nearer race day), plus eating/drinking facilities, toilets etc.

Question 13

HOW DO I BOOK?

Accepted Answer

Sign up online through Eventbrite and get our boat secured. We will then forward you a booking form to complete.

Question 14

WHY ARE YOUNG GLOS LISTED AS THE ORGANISER ON EVENTBRITE?

Accepted Answer

We have wanted an online entry process for a number of years and YG have are working with Simon and Nick of the Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn to run this through Eventbrite and utilising YG’s expertise.

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