Saturday 14th July 2012

The Rotary Club of Chippenham Wiltshire Vale's Jubilee Dragon Boat Race Day 2012 is the fourth annual fund raising event held on and alongside the River Avon in Chippenham (location map) from 10am to 4.00pm. To see photos of last year's event, click here.

What is Dragon Boat racing?

Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition over 2000 years old and is one of Britain's most competitive water sports. It's a great way to raise money and it's spectacular, colourful, exciting and fun!

No experience required!

What is a Dragon Boat?

A Dragon Boat is a 40 foot long narrow boat, decorated with a Chinese dragon head and tail, and propelled by a crew of 16 paddlers who are kept in rhythm by a drummer. An experienced member of the event organisation crew (Dragon Boat Events Ltd) steers the boat and ensures that everyone has a fun but safe time on the water.

Teams and Races

Teams are made up of at least 17 people (16 people to paddle the boat, plus one drummer). Teams can change their crew between races so that more people can have a go. Each team is given full safety instructions and a short practice before the races.

All equipment is provided, boats, paddles, life jackets etc., and the whole event is organised with safety in mind.

Teams will race each other in a number of heats throughout the day and the fastest teams will then compete in the final. The winning team will be presented with medals and a trophy at a prize giving ceremony at the end of the day.

Video of Chippenham Dragon Boat Race

Who takes part?

Dragon Boat racing attracts a wide range of teams - from local companies, charities, schools and colleges, emergency services, youth groups, churches, sports clubs, health and fitness centres, as well as groups of friends and family who are fundraising for a specific cause. The minimum age of competitors is 12, and a special discounted entry fee is available for schools, youth groups, and any team comprised mainly of under 18 year olds.

Talking it Up

Jonathan Fido, BBC Wiltshire, talking to Mike of Dragon Boat Events Ltd and Lyn Crabtree of Rotary, live on air at the 3rd Annual Chippenham Dragon Boat Race, Saturday 9th July 2011.

Fundraising

Each team is required to raise money for charity through sponsorship. The target is to raise a minimum of £340 per team, and maybe as much as £2000 per team, with one quarter of the money raised going to the Rotary Club of Wiltshire Vale's charity fund and three quarters to the team's nominated charity or community group.

Attractions

There will be lots of things to see and do on Dragon Boat Day 2012 apart from Dragon Boat racing.

Various stalls will attend the event offering, amongst other goods, food, coffees, teas and soft drinks, and a license for a Beer Tent has been granted. Also, our sister club, the Rotary Club of Chippenham will be running their successful. 'Art in the Park' event within the park, providing 'hands on' art and music entertainment for people of all ages. This year we again plan to provide 'between race' entertaiment for teams.

Taking Part

You can take part in Dragon Boat Day 2012 by entering a team. If you are interested in taking part, please read the information below and complete and return an application form.

Teams

If you would like to enter a team at Dragon Boat Day 2012, please download the Team Information Pack. This tells you about entry fees, raising sponsorship, sponsorship forms. A promotional poster is also available, complete with a 'team building sheet', which you can put up to promote the event and to help build your team.

• Dragon Boat 2012 Team Information Pack (PDF format, 189Kb)
• Dragon Boat 2012 Event Poster (PDF format, 173Kb)
• Dragon Boat 2012 Team Building Sheet (PDF format, 75Kb)

If you wish to apply to enter a team into the event, please log your details with us. You will then be able to download an Application Form. Alternatively, please telephone L. Crabtree on 01249 656172 and you will be emailed or mailed one.

Raise money with BT's 'MyDonate'

We've teamed up with BT's MyDonate service so that you can raise money online. Click on the button below to go to BT's 'MyDonate' web page for the event and start raising money. If you need help setting up a fundraising page, please download our MyDonate help sheet (PDF format, 80Kb).

Corporate Sponsors

The Rotary Club of Chippenham Wiltshire Vale would like to thank the following sponsors without whose support Dragon Boat Day 2012 would not be possible:

Gold Sponsor
To be anounced shortly
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
To be anounced shortly
Other Sponsors

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the event, please complete the Dragon Boat Day contact form and one of the Dragon Boat Day 2012 organising committee will contact you. Alternatively, telephone L. Crabtree on 01249 656172.

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