Dubai, 1 Feb. 2009 (WAM) : Dubai Marina Yacht Club, the newly opened leisure destination for marine enthusiasts, will host a Dragon Boat Festival at the Dubai Marina Canal on February 13, 2009. The hugely popular Dragon Boat Festival will be the first key event for the club since its launch, and is set to become an annual feature.
The Dragon Boat race will be held from 8am to 6pm along the 3.5 km Dubai Marina canal, in front of the new Clubhouse, with over 800 participants in 40 teams expected to take part.
Dragon Boating puts together 22 team mates on an oar powered boat decorated with carved and painted dragon heads and tails, find more info here. The tournament will unfold with a series of heats from which teams will be eliminated to eventually reveal the finalists.
Physically and mentally challenging, dragon boat racing requires a paddler’s synchronized precision and is a perfect team building activity. The sport is believed to have started 2,500 years ago in China with many popular myths of folklore surrounding its origin.
Mr Steve Stiglbauer, General Manager, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, said: “Dragon Boat racing has become one of the most popular sports in the Near and Far East, and Dubai Marina Canal is a perfect venue to host the event. By hosting a dragon boat race as our inaugural event, we are placing focus on water events that bring people together.” He added: “Teams from around the UAE can participate in this inaugural event, which will provide a fulfilling day of good exercise, camaraderie and sportsmanship. The Dragon Boat Festival will provide the very best of fun and excitement for participants and observers and will be a fascinating spectacle to enjoy for the canal’s residents and visitors.”
contact:
Amanda Jones – Events Coordinator
Tel: +971502642405
Email: amanda@sirenconsulting.com