history

The sport dates back more than 2000 years where it began on China’s Mi-Lo river around about 400 BC. Today, with over one million teams competing worldwide, it is the second most popular water sport on the planet.

 

Dragon boats are long, elaborately decorated canoes with a dragon’s head and tail attached. There are wooden benches for the crew of up to 16 paddlers as well as room at the bow for the drummer and a space at the stern for the steers person, known as a helmsman, to stand. The sport caters for a wide range of ages and abilities in one crew, male and female.

 

The Rotary Club of Chichester Priory, in partnership with the local charity CancerWise, has been organising the challenge since 2012.  From 2027 onwards, responsibility for organising this event will pass to Chichester Harbour Rotary Club.