MOUNT BEAUTY DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

A Wonderful First

Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Club and West Peak Hotel will be hosting the inaugural Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 4th March, 2023 from 9am – 12:30pm. Presentations will be at West Peak Hotel from 1:30pm. This will be the first time such an event has been staged on the magnificent Mount Beauty Pondage – the most beautiful paddling venue in regional Victoria. Our event is proudly supported the Alpine shire and AGL.

Crews from across regional Victoria will be competing over three racing categories that will test teams’ endurance, speed and out right strength. Racing will include:

• 1.4km time trial around the lake –Endurance.

• A 100m splash and dash sprint – Speed.

• A team tug of war – Strength.

Points accumulated from the results from each category will determine the outright winner of the Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Festival perpetual trophy. Featured teams include Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Club, Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Club, Beechworth Golden Serpents Dragon Boat Club and the Victorian State Junior Dragon Boat racing team. The State Junior team are racing as part of their preparation for the upcoming Australian Dragon Boat championships which will be held in April at Gateway Lakes Albury Wodonga. Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing paddle sports in Australia. Suitable for all ages – juniors can start dragon boating at 10 and stay in the sport throughout their lives. Dragon boat racing events are held all over Australia (and the world), allowing participants to race in a huge variety of event types, from Dragon Boat Victoria Lunar New Year regatta, to the 50km Ord River Marathon in the Kimberly, and the wonderful Vogalonga festival in Venice Italy. Did you know that some of our own Mount Beauty Dragon Boat paddlers have raced internationally in festivals in China, at Club Crew World Championships in Hungary, and represented Australia at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships?

What you will see on the day?

Visitors will see the Mount Beauty Pondage come alive with colourful marquees filled with paddlers from a variety of teams, preparing to race. The dragon boats will be fully dressed with their heads and tails glittering. There will also be a traditional Chinese dragon dance in between the racing program at 11.30am to entertain visitors and inspire the paddlers. The volunteers will direct you to parking and facilities near the football ground, and then a short stroll through the playground will bring you to the event. A commemorative T-Shirt will be on sale. Bring a camp chair and picnic rug, and enjoy a morning of racing. An after-party following the event will be hosted by West Peak Hotel, where the presentation of trophies will be held. Endurance, Speed and Strength – who will be the Mount Beauty Dragon Boat Festival Champion. Let the racing begin! •

Our intimate personal dinners for small group are proving to be a favourite with regulars and visitors. Please feel free to contact us and discuss your requirements and timing. Regards, Roi and Sue.