A National Regatta for ALL Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) and their Supporters from both Sporting and DAA clubs, raising awareness of the benefits of dragon boating for Breast Cancer Survivors. A non-competitive event - times will be recorded but no finals. 

Schedule

Friday 2 December: 2022: 5 - 7 pm: Welcome Drinks (not included in regatta fee): The Melbourne Cellar Door, 25 Dukes Walk, South Wharf, Melbourne.

Saturday 3 December:  9 am - 4 pm: Regatta with 200m racing, Acknowledgement of Country, Memorial Race, Flowers On The Water ceremony with dragon boating merchandisers and food trucks on site. 

6:30 pm for 7 pm: Pink Paddle Power Ball -  (not included in the regatta fee) Supported by Dragons Abreast Australia. Open to the entire paddling community and health alliance partner organisations. Please register and pay here.

See the Marvel map and directions here

Sunday 4 December: 9:30 am - 11 am: Social paddle on the Yarra River (included in regatta fee) organsied by Dragon Boat Victoria and led by DBV sweeps. Meet at the Community Boating Hub - 912 Collins Street, Docklands.

Registration closes on Friday Nov 18, or prior if boats fill. Register here

Bulletin

View Bulletin #1 15 Aug here

View Bulletin #2 30 Sep here

View Bulletin #3 24 Oct here

View Bulletin #4 8 Nov here

View Bulletin #5 28 Nov here

Online Briefing: Wednesday, 30 November at 7pm

Optional for Team Managers, Sweeps, Officials etc (Note in-person briefing at 8:30am on Saturday 3 Dec)

Register here

Regatta Location

Victoria Harbour, Docklands, Melbourne

Race Draw;

View here

Crew sheets:

here

Event Map:

Regatta races and formats:

Crew sizes: 10s and 20s

Distance: 200m

Categories: 10s and 20s races, team races, Pink Hat races, Supporters races (open to BCS as well), and a Memorial Race.

BCS Team races and Pink Hat race rules (DBV rules will apply):

• 10s - BCS paddlers with a max. of 1 female Supporter
• 20s – BCS paddlers with a max. of 2 female Supporters
• Sweeps & Drummers can be either BCS team or supporters, male or female

Composite crews are also permitted from across clubs, states, or countries (as long as they can be covered for paddling insurance - using a Dragon Pass or being a paid-up member of a dragon boating club affiliated with AUSDBF).

Number of paddlers per boat:

Each boat can register up to a maximum of 28 paddlers, which can be made up of BCS and supporter paddlers, sweeps and drummers. 

Pool sweeps, drummers and paddlers will be available if required. If you have less than a full boat then DBV will allocate you to a composite team, with assistance from DAA,  email: administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au. 

Cost: 

The cost per boat is $2,240 (ex gst) – Total $2,464.00.  

So if your crew has the maximum number of 28 participants registered (BCS and Supporters), the maximum cost per paddler is $88. If your crew has less than the maximum number of participants, the cost per paddler increases.

ALL individual paddlers participating in a Composite team at the PPP Regatta need to register and pay by Friday, November 11 here.

Medal:

All regatta entrants to receive a feature event medal. Draft medal artwork by Linda Papworth:

Register a team:

Here

Timelines:

• Entries now open

• Thursday 15 September 11:59 pm - Team/boat/composite entries close, or earlier if the maximum entries are reached.

• Friday 30 September 11:59 pm - DBV to invoice club/teams for a 30% deposit.  

• Monday 31 October 11:59 pm - Final balance due to DBV 

• 1 November to 3 December - Further updates and communications to clubs 

Providing Volunteers:

If possible, clubs/teams are requested to supply at least one AUS DBF Official or Volunteer to assist on regatta day.

Regatta FAQ's:

Q: I am from interstate/overseas or a club that can't form an entire crew, what are my/our options?
A: DBV will allocate you to a composite team, with assistance from DAA. Email administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au

Q: What food and beverages will be available at the event?
A: There will be a selection of food and beverages for purchase on offer all day, including merchandise.

Q: I don't have or own a PFD or paddle, can I still participate?
A: Yes, DBV can lend you the appropriate equipment for paddling. Please advise DBV here of your requirements. 

Q: Are there suitable/clean toilets and facilities to change at the event?
A: Yes, there are adequate facilities at the event.

Q: How many boats in each event?

A: We have a fleet of six Champion boats and will use three in each event. 

Q: What distances are the races?

A: 200 metres

Q: How many races will there be?

A: We are planning an event draw that gives each BCS paddler at least three races, plus the Flowers on the Water. We will try to have at least one Open race in which BCS and supporters can paddle in together. But it will depend on the number of entrants, the number of BCS paddlers, and the weather on the day. We may start earlier to allow more races.

Q: What if the weather is bad?

A: We will try to give all participants the chance to get out on the water early if we expect bad weather later in the morning/day. We will also have the option of postponing the event until Sunday 4 April. The Chief Official will usually make that call a few days out from the event. 

Q: How many people are in a boat?

A: Maximum of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer and 1 sweep in a standard Dragon Boat. Pool sweeps, drummers and paddlers will be available. 

Q: I have a friend who isn’t a club member. Can they paddle?

A: Yes, they can train and paddle with a free Dragon Pass. Get them to register with a club for unlimited training sessions during the 1-month free period - register here for Victorian clubs. 

Q: What should we bring? 

A: If you are a Victorian team and can bring a marquee and portable folding chairs that would be appreciated. Plus water, sunscreen, hat, and towel.

Q: Where can I park?

A: Parking is limited and is mostly paid. Come by tram (11, 48 or 75) or train to Southern Cross Station. Or pre-book into a parking station in Docklands for a cheaper rate. Two-hour free parking is available in the area on Sunday. 

Q: Where can I find out more about the Pink Paddle Power Regatta Ball and get tickets?

A: This event will be held in the Victory Room, Marvel Stadium, overlooking Victoria Harbour, on Sat. Dec. 3 at 6.30 pm for 7 pm. Dragons Abreast Australia is supporting this celebration open to all: BCS paddlers, supporters, their family and friends, and all health alliance partner organisations. There is a discounted ticket for registered paddlers at the PPP Regatta and any Breast Cancer Survivors. Tickets include a 3-course sit-down dinner and a drinks package and dancing. There will be plenty of space and outdoor areas. Please join us! For more information and to register visit: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/dragonsaa/events/157709/

Q: Do I need to register for the casual paddle up the Yarra River on Sunday, Dec 4 at 9.30 am or 10am?

A: Yes, This will occur weather permitting. There will be two paddle times to choose from 9:30am or 10am. DBV sweeps familiar with the Yarra River will organise the boats. Crews will go up the Yarra for about 30 mins and return (1.5 hrs total). Registration closes on Friday Nov 18, or prior if boats fill. Register here

Event partners and participant benefits:

Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer - 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne 

Booking due date: 16 September 2022, all unsold rooms will be released automatically without prior notice.

Date : 2 to 5 Dec 2022 (1 to 3 nights)

Room Type : Superior Room (25 sqm)

Room Rate :

• $295 (inclusive of one daily breakfast)
• $325 (inclusive of two daily breakfast)

To book, please use link here.

Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel OR Oaks Melbourne on Collins Hotel

Members to access 15% off our Best Flexible rate - please see link to booking instructions here.

Event Permits:

Parks Victoria here

City of Melbourne here