Wimmera River to host dragon boat regatta

Published on 19 October 2018

More than 250 paddlers will take to the Wimmera River on the first weekend of November for the Horsham Dragon Boat Regatta.

A come and try day is scheduled for the Saturday afternoon and the racing will start on the Sunday.

The event will feature 10 teams, including interstate entries and all the action will be at Horsham Rowing Club in Barnes Boulevard.

Horsham Rural City Council Co-ordinator Business Development and Tourism Chris McClure said the Regatta would bring significant economic benefit to the region.

“With those sort of numbers plus partners and family that is probably 350 people we would expect to be here,” Mr McClure said.

“In terms of an economic benefit, having 350 odd people stay for two nights in our caravan parks and motels and then having meals and social functions in the evening, it will be quite substantial.

“We want Horsham to be recognised as the event capital in Western Victoria.”

Dragon Boat Victoria General Manager Chris Schleusener said it was very exciting to return to the Wimmera.

“I think it is very exciting for our metro members to get out and experience paddling in the regions to support our regional clubs like the existing Dimboola club,” he said.

Dimboola Warreguk Dragon Boat Club President Ann Falkingham hoped to see more members join.

“We are hosting come and try mornings every Sunday at the Horsham Rowing Club,” Ms Falkingham said.

“The idea of the come and try days are to get people interested.

“Hopefully they enjoy it and come and watch the competing on the Sunday and then join the Dimboola Warreguk Dragon Boat club which will now be Horsham based,” she said.

Dragon boat racing has cultural origins in ancient China and has evolved into a highly competitive sport right across the globe.