PROGRAMME 2026
SCHEDULE FOR PARTICIPANTS
9am Car Park Opens
Chichester High School car park opens for teams and supporters.
9.30am Registration
Opens in front of the Canal Cafe.
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Teams 1 to 6 please complete registration by 10am
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Teams 7 to 12 please complete registration by 10.30am
Please note: The team Leader should confirm arrival of his/her team before registering.
10am First Team Briefing
At the entrance to the boat loading area.
10.15am First Heat Begins!
Crew members need to board their boats on the pontoon close to the Canal Trust Centre. Races start from the moveable bridge and the finish line is at the commentator tent.
3.15pm Finals - Juniors followed by Seniors
4pm Prize Giving
Prize giving takes place in front of the Canal Heritage Centre (next to the cafe). Prizes presented by the Bailiff to the City of Chichester - Councillor Anne Scicluna.
Note that all times are approximate. Listen out for announcements over the PA system.
Getting There
Address: Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Chichester, PO19 8DT
The Dragon Boat race is held on the Chichester Canal, located to the south of the city centre, with easy access from the A27 Chichester by-pass (exit sign-posted to health club, cinema and train station.) The canal is also within easy walking distance from the train and bus stations.
Parking
Free parking has kindly been provided by Chichester High School located close to the event site. Access to the car park is via Kingsham Avenue and will be well sign-posted (Satnav reference: PO19 8AE). Marshalls will direct you to the correct place and the competitors' tented area.
FACILITIES
Canal Trust Cafe
Places to Eat
There will be stalls providing tea/coffee/cake and also a burger stall & ice cream van. Some teams choose to bring their own food or even organise a team picnic in their crew tent.
In addition, the Canal Trust Cafe provides a great selection drinks, sandwiches and light meals.
Toilets
Toilet are provided for crew members and spectators. They can be found in the team areas of the Chichester High School playing fields. Disabled facilities are also provided. Baby changing facilities can be found in the Canal Trust Cafe.
