THE ROTARY CLUB OF BILLERICAY MAYLOWER

in association with ESSEX AND SUFFOLK WATER

Presents
DRAGON BOAT 2007

Sunday 2^nd September 2007 at Hanningfield Reservoir from 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

 Dragon boat racing began more than 2000 years ago on the banks of the life sustaining rivers in the valleys of southern China as a fertility rite to ensure plentiful crops.  

In the beginning races were held to avert misfortune and encourage the rains needed for prosperity and the object of worship was the dragon. The dragon of Asia has traditionally been a symbol of water and is said to rule the rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and rains. The first races were meant to mock dragon battles and were staged in order to awaken the hibernating Heavenly Dragon. 

For many centuries dragon boat racing was a violent clash known as the “To Fight and Cross Over” ceremony. Often the race resembled a naval battle with crew members throwing stones and striking one another with cane sticks. Onlookers played an active role in the race. Fans on the riverside would cheer and give gifts of red and green silk to the boat from their region but would greet the opposing boats with angry shouts and a hail of stones. It was thought unlucky if no one drowned during the races. 

Nowadays dragon boat racing is a much less violent affair, competitive, yes, but fun. Fun also for the spectators who find a great deal of amusement watching the competitors trying to control their boat and guide it in the direction of the finishing line.  

Dragon Boats are based on traditional multi coloured Chinese craft decorated with ferocious looking dragon heads. They are about 40 feet long with a crew of 16 plus a drummer who beats the time and a professional helmsman. No previous experience or level of fitness is required and all age groups, including mixed gender crews, from 12 years upwards regularly compete against each other. Dragon Boat racing has established itself as the UK’s favourite mass participation water sport. Excitement, colour and spectacle abound in an Organisation event which aims to develop a sense of team spirit and bonding in all participants.  

The races consist of 3 sets of timed heats held over a 250 metre course culminating in 2 exciting finals. A Dragon Boat event provides charities, clubs, sporting organisations and businesses with cost effective and enjoyable fundraising opportunities through sponsor ship of the team. If your organisation is interested in taking part in this event please contact Mrs Dorothy Cantrell on 01277 651033 and request an application form.