Dragon Boat West

Just in case you haven't heard. Vancouver is trying to enter a few teams into this year's International Hong Kong Race in July 2010. The races have finally returned to Victoria Harbour, where most of the best racing has been.

If all our plans work out, we hope to showcase our top teams in Asia.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival
(http://www.discoverhongkong.com/festivehk2010/eng/summer/highlight_highlights.jsp)

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival takes pride of place as the biggest event on the Festive Hong Kong 2010 calendar. During July, this three-day bash takes place in East Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side of beautiful Victoria Harbour. This major festival will feature live entertainment and the San Miguel Beer Garden with food stalls, that will provide the perfect backdrop to all the excitement as the world’s leading teams race for glory at the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.

Date:   23 – 25 July
Time:   Races – 9am to 6pm
San Miguel Beer Garden – Noon to 9pm
Venue:   East Tsim Sha Tsui
2010 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races

These races will be held from 23 – 25 July with over 130 local and international teams competing in different categories such as the:

    * Open International Championships
    * Women’s International Championships
    * Mixed International Championships
    * Junior International Championships
    * Senior International Championships

Also, local teams representing the financial services, commercial corporations, professional bodies, post-secondary institutions, the hotel and travel trade, and fishing communities will take part in other races.

San Miguel Beer Garden

Enjoy beer, food, stage performances including live music and dance, and take part in beer drinking competition and other games.
Cultural Plaza
 

It is now official, two local teams have been entered the international Dragon Boat Race in Hong Kong


FCRCC Magnum
FCRCC High Performance



They will be up against the following teams (the list only contains the international teams, there are a host of local high end hong kong teams, not listed):
　
   
1   Royal Australian Navy Dragon Boat Club   Australia
2   Royal Australian Navy Dragon Boat Club   Australia
3   CANUSA   Canada
4   Jiang Jun Dragon Boat Team, China   China
5   Sime Darby BMW China Group   China
6   中國浙江省溫州市駿龍龍舟隊   China
7   名門世家九江女子龍舟隊   China
8   名門世家九江男子龍舟隊   China
9   鶴山利聯龍舟隊   China
10   鶴山利豐龍舟隊   China
11   Naha Harii Association    Japan
12   Kansai Dragon Boat Team    Japan
13   Yokohama Dragon Boat Team (Japan)/ 横濱龍舟隊   Japan
14   Macau Dragon boat Association   Macau
15   Kuban -- Russia   Russia
16   Kuban -- Russia   Russia
17   Pink Dragon   Singapore
18   Chinese Taipei Men’s Team   Taiwan
19   Chinese Taipei Women’s Team   Taiwan
20   Dragon Warriors (USA)   
21   Dragon Warriors (USA)   





      

　

fcrcc magnum?!

what does this mean?

It means that Magnum comes from the FCRCC club

It looks like fcrcc magnum will not be going. A new local team will be created to replace fcrcc magnum

 :(

The update: Two teams will be heading to Hong Kong on July 20th, 2010, to represent Canada.

FCRCC High Performance
FCRCC Canadian Jambalaya

FCRCC Canadian Jambalaya will consist of Magnum, Master of the D'Zone and FCRCC HP team members.

Good luck everyone.

You going Puppy?  I'm also in!   :D

Yes, Puppy will be going but even better, two high calibre teams will be representing Canada.

FCRCC High Performance & FCRCC Women's - Coach: Kamini Jain
         
FCRCC Canadian Jambalaya & FCRCC Open - Coaches: Jackie Webber & Brad Howie

Okay.  Just re-read the first post - - did I see this right - - Beer drinking competition?! 

 :D :D :D :D :D

YUP ....yes, there is a drinking contest...they will make your beer bong look like a joke....

CRC must represent....are you coming?

Yeah I'm going

Here are some further details for anyone who might be going over:

The race course will be 640m.
 
A schedule is finalize as follows:
 
PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 Local Team Managers Meeting

Monday, 19 July 2010 Local Team practice session
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 Local Team practice session
Wednesday, 21 July 2010 Overseas crew arrival, register & practice session
Thursday, 22 July 2010 Overseas crew arrival, register & practice session
Overseas Team Managers Meeting (At Night)
Friday, 23 July 2010 Opening Ceremony
Race Day
• Junior A and B Championships
• Disciplinary Forces Championships
• Overseas teams qualified Races
Saturday, 24 July 2010 Race Day
Sunday, 25 July 2010 Race Day
Celebration Dinner
Monday, 26 July 2010 Overseas teams departure

*7th Club Crew World Championships Macau 2010 will be held from 26 July to 1 August

Rule 16: All paddlers of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races MUST NOT in take any alcoholic beverage before or during ( :lol:) the races.  Any paddlers offending this rule will result disqualification.


Just for you dude

Team Canada has found two wonderful sponsors. We are now called:

HSBC Canada - FCRCC Mixed
HSBC Canada - FCRCC Canadian Jambalaya
HSBC Canada - FCRCC Women
HSBC Canada - FCRCC Open

In addition, The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has graciously supported us.

On behalf of FCRCC, we thank all our sponsors for their genours support. We hope to make you proud at the 2010 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival.

HSBC Canada http://www.hsbc.ca/1/2/en/home/home (http://www.hsbc.ca/1/2/en/home/home)

The world's local bank

We are committed to meeting your needs locally. Whether you are living and working in Canada, or moving to Canada, HSBC supports that with experience and expertise that spans the globe.


Hong Kong Toursim Board (HKTB)  http://discoverhongkong.com/canada/about-hktb/tourism-board-guide.html (http://discoverhongkong.com/canada/about-hktb/tourism-board-guide.html)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and to enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. Learn more about our organisation, our management and structure. You can also find our press releases  and annual reports here.

There's a link to this article on the homepage of DBW:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/04/10/hong-kong-all-set-1st-dragon-boat-carnival

"More than a hundred local and international teams are set to compete in Hong Kong's very first dragon boat carnival." (http://images.redcafe.net/images/smilies/drool.gif)

For those who have not raced overseas...here is a teaser....
http://www.dragonboatnet.com/DBN-Cinema-20.php


a dragon boat school in Hong Kong:
http://www.dragonboatnet.com/DBN-Cinema-7.php

From my random googlings.......a factsheet, programme details, and schedule!

http://partnernet.hktb.com/pnweb/primg/Media%20Factsheet%20Fact%20Sheet-E%20Final.pdf

"Dragon Boat athletes showing off their charm and glamour in the “Mr Dragon Boat and Miss Dragon Boat Contest”"
Better start bringing a mirror to races so I can look my best....

Hopefully we have a berth in the bathtub race...  Puppy??

Bathtub race? I think you might still be in the beer drinking tent..... Love to see Rob M in the bathtub with his legs dangling out.. :lol:

That "Jambalaya" name is making it's way around the festival circuit.
Me thinks I should be getting some royalties from it  :wink:
...and to think that 5yrs ago, no one liked the name - it just happened to be the better name of all the bad ones suggested. 

crazy!

No, the West Coast Jamalaya that broke the Canadian Curse was comprised of the Master of the Dzone paddlers...this group is comprised of mainly Magnum and some Master's....which means... we have lots of light ones with some "seasoned" international racers like Greg Lamb   :lol:

Ok most of the team has finally trickled into the hotel. The hotel is located in the new territories (at the end of the tsuen wan red line). The rooms are cozy and clean (except for ryan's and terry's). Hospitality is great. Most are off sight seeing right now but our team meeting is @ 7pm tonight. All of us have a day off tomorrow, so that means LLLLOOOTTTSSS of shopping. Our first practice is Thursday morning. First real races are on friday.  Looking forward to some great racing.

Oh. What about predictions?  LOL.  I predict FCRCC will dominate the field, especially the womens categories. 

Aren't club crews the following weekend in Macau?  Are there any club crew teams racing both events?

Who's the resident photographer ... is Lethal Weapon going to be there?  I'm looking forward to seeing some good race photos.

Predictions? Hard to tell. This is going to be a very tough field. Some of the teams racing in Maccau will be racing in Hong Kong first.

There is a typhoon that will hit land today or tomorrow and our first and only practice will be tomorrow.

We have no resident photographer here. Lethal Weapon did not come to this event due to other travel plans.

Team has a day off today and are BUYING up a storm (no pun intended) in Hong Kong.

Good luck to all FCRCC teams. Make us proud.

Well here is the latest update...the Typhoon has officially caused some havoc with the race organizers:


Practice has been cancelled for tomorrow. Practice will be rescheduled to friday (to be confirmed). Friday races have been moved to Sat. So as it stands we will move practices to friday (but Puppy will confirm this) and we will race saturday and sunday.

wha? Cancelled? Last year in Taiwan, World Games practices went on as usual despite the gales across the water :) Race day, times varied by huge margins and head (and tail, side, up and down) winds made semi finals very interesting. Granted the typhoon eventually destroyed the area :( but before then, all was go. Get back on that water!

Well the Typhoon has come and gone. Down at the race site and it's amazing what a lot of people can do in a day here. The race site is amazing because it's right in the heart of Victoria Harbour. The finish line has bleachers for all the VIP's and the spectators have a clear view of the race course.  

The water is choppy and we will have to have a contingent plan to bail the boat while we race and/or how to swim back to shore.

We are also provide showers after each race. Except we are not allowed to use soap or any detergent. The run off water flows back into victoria harbour.  :werd:

The racers village is about 3-4 blocks away at the polytechical university.  The walk will be about 10-15 minutes between marshalling and the racers village (have to dodge cars, buses, and people.

I'm so glad i brought my life jacket....GULP  msn(:'()

If you thought racing in San Francisco or even any open ocean, you have to see the water here.  The barges are moving into place today, to help calm the water down

Anyway, we are now looking out of our window and there are intermintent lighting strikes. If the typhoon doesn't get us, then there is always the lightening. It's like Harrison all over again but 10X worse.

Can someone check if we can buy extra life insurance?  :pray:

We are off to the managers meeting with our crew and hope to get word of our first and only practice and when we will be racing on Sat and Sun.

The rest of the group are all out enjoying the sites and sounds of Hong Kong. So much to do here.

Can't wait till we bring the 6 crews next year from Vancouver....

So if races were supposed to start Friday, and are now pushed back to Saturday and Sunday, does that mean they will modify the grid for fewer races?

Sounds like Harrison ... hot, humid, lightning, thunder.  But Harrison might be ok this year!   :D

The Hong Kong Observatory issued a “Black” rainstorm warning at 5:30 p.m. tonight. This warning indicates that heavy rain is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong. Serious flooding of roads is likely, with consequent traffic congestion.Government advice is to take shelter indoors and avoid travel until the Black Rainstorm warning has been lifted.                       

Hong Kong Government News Release

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/21/P201007210144.htm


    
Canadian teams to take part in Hong Kong's first Dragon Boat Carnival (with photos)
************************************************************
     Four Canadian dragon boat racing teams from the province of British Columbia will be taking part in Hong Kong's first Dragon Boat Carnival from July 23 to 25, one of three mega events between now and mid-2011 earmarked by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

     With about 200 local and international teams from 12 countries and regions participating, the newly launched annual Dragon Boat Carnival is one of the highlights of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's (HKTB) annual "Summer Spectacular". The other two mega events are the Hong Kong Tennis Classic 2011 "World Team Challenge", which will be held next January, and Hong Kong's first ever international women's golf event, the Hong Kong Women's Open, from late April to early May in 2011.

     The four Canadian teams of over 60 paddlers, all from the False Creek Racing Canoe Club, are sponsored by HSBC Bank Canada and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto. They will join three categories of races - mixed, open, and women's international championship.  The False Creek Racing Canoe Club is one of the best known breeding grounds of Canadian paddlers.  The club's dragon boat teams have competed in many international events and have won the Hong Kong championships five times in previous years.

     The Director of the HKETO in Toronto, Ms Maureen Siu, described Hong Kong as the birthplace of modern dragon boat racing. "Dragon boating in Canada began at the World Expo in Vancouver in 1986, when the city was given six dragon boats by Hong Kong," said Ms Siu.  "Now dragon boating has become a popular sporting activity in major cities across Canada, and evolved beyond festivals to include community, charity and sport racing in many combinations.

     "Having four high-calibre Canadian teams joining this event could further promote Hong Kong-Canada relations," she added.

     Jointly organised by the HKTB and Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival will be held in Victoria Harbour along the East Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, with many cultural entertainment programmes.

     The HKTB's Director of Canada, Central and South America, Mr Michael Lim, said, "The carnival celebrates our traditional Chinese culture with modern elements by enlarging the scale of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races while introducing new programmes of  different kinds to attract even greater participation by visitors and local residents."

     For more details, please visit: www.discoverhongkong.com/festivehk2010/eng/summer/highlight_overview.jsp .


Ends/Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 12:30

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/21/P201007210144_photo_1018720.htm (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/21/P201007210144_photo_1018720.htm)
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/21/P201007210144_photo_1018721.htm (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/21/P201007210144_photo_1018721.htm)
 

After attending the team managers meeting tonight, it appears that we will need to put on our A game in the first race Saturday.

The first race is strictly based on BEST TIMES. This will determine if we go into the CUP, PLATE or BOWL round (Cup being the highest round).

In addition, due to the weather conditions, we have to race a Maximum of 18 Paddlers in a race. They are using Champion Boats here and these boats do not handle rough waters. Furthermore, if the conditions turn worse, we may only race a maximum 16 Paddlers. All the coaches are working hard to put the best team on the water and ensure everyone also get's to race.

We have officially asked to enter into the 60 person LARGE DRAGON BOAT race. If we are allowed to race, It will be the first time HSBC FCRCC will have a 60 person dragon boat team. We are not sure who will stroke or drum or steer but if we do get to race in this, it will be an experience to see. We will try our best to take some photo's.

There is a CAN/USA team here too. It is a combo team from Tampa and a Team from Toronto. Dragon Warriors is the other USA Team.

BTW, Road Rash is here and scaring all the local people. Their comments are "He's huge" in chinese. But don't tell Road Rash this, it might get to his head

Tomorrow, we have practice on the water and we have to practice how to swim back to shore (I'm praying we don't have too).

@Puppy. Get yourself a twitter account!

He can't write these huge essays with a twitter account!  He should be posting photos for us too.

Now ... as armchair coach, I suggest stacking the team for first race to get into the Cup round.  Put in your best OC paddlers who aren't afraid of a little chop.  And then hope for the best.  LOL. 

I sure hope there is video of this.   :D

Thanks for taking the time to update us, puppy.  Keep em coming!

they are either talking about his Head or the Beer bong.....

After hearing the reports on the water conditions I think I am glad I am not there but next time I will make the trip with my camera as it sounds like a good chance for some awesome shots....hmmmm...pictures of floating poop and condoms UP CLOSE!

Eva is our Liasion from Hong Kong, who has been assigned to us. She's great. She's helping our team out with logisicts. Where to shop, where to pee, etc...HK has taken every step to keep the international teams feel welcomed.

Due to the change in the weather, we have now gone to a 18 poerson crew. Both HSBC FCRCC teams were on the water. For a few of the newbies in Hong Kong (most of the team) they were surprised by the ROLLING waves from all directions.

As we get to the race site, we are given a nice tour of the racer's village, Pre marshall and Marshalling area. If you thought the walk in Rio Tinto is far, you should check out our walk. We have to cross a street, Walk over a LOOONG overpass and dodge 1000's of regular public, just to get to racers village.

They have provided us with showers, just to wash the "Floates" off our body.  The shower is so GHETTO, but kinda cool....just imagine BIG WHITE TUBS of water and little chinese scoop buckets that you pour over yourself. Hey don't knock it, it works.

We practiced in Champion Boats (Exact same as the Arizona DB Festival). There is a fleet of of over 24 of these boats. If anyone knows what these boats are like, they are "touchy" in the water. This means, they get pushed around easily. You have to a strong steersperson, to keep the boat from gettting away. The steering oar is shorter than ours and is no bigger than a toothpic. I kid you not.

We tried to enter the BathTub Races but couldn't - Full...but seriously, they looked like bathtubs. Fits two. Kamini wanted to race in them. I thought she lost her marbles. Kamini in a bath tub yelling at someone to keep stroke..hhhehhaahahah. Just imagine...HUT HO, in the middle of the race.

First group to go on the water, was HSBC FCRCC High Performance. The look on a few faces, including Fanya and Jenny was priceless. First warm up and we all realize that the water (which looks calm on the shore) is not as calm on the water. Lots of dips in the water. Rescue boats don't care about wake. They just buzz around blowing airhorns at everyone.  You should check out our HOME MADE bailers. Kamini's group made home made BIG A$$ bailers. Teams looked at us and were supprised. Catherine was walking around with them and it was priceless. Team Canada CAME PREPARED.

The  HSBC Jambalaya team got on the water and we realize how rough it is.  There was in an incident where we a rescue boat cut in front of us and created a HUGE wake. I just called WAKE COMING and bam, we hit it...it was fun...except our drummer wasn't too pleased with getting wet and our strokers where a little wet   :(

A few of our paddlers got "sea sick" but with some rest and lots of water, they should be good to go.

Well it's one race tomorrow to determine our placement. Then it's a fight for 1st on Sunday.  Sounds like some of our paddlers are off to buy some goggles and tape (to tape our mouth shut)

On the water, the Chinese have an absolute high rate. The Italians and USA (Dragon Warriors) have a slower rate. Lot's of different styles. The Japenese, Thailand, China, Maccau all showed up too. We were all checking each other out. It's was an amazing site to see the international teams all there.

Off to dinner at Fat Angelo's (Italian Food in Hong Kong)  :werd:

If you ever want to learn how to steer, just come out to Hong Kong and learn :upsidehead: If you can steer here, you can steer anywhere.

Updates soon to follow....

Sorry, no twitter because I'm a twit.  :snooty:

Weather okay now but they are making us race with 18 paddlers, frt row empty. Barges all along the race course. Brand new Champion dragon boats, 18 of them. Practiced today, dirty water, still wavy. Held starts using plastic modular docks. 2 races tomorrow, 1 mixed, 1 open, 1 women because they condensed the race schedule to Sat & Sun. Have to do well to get into Cup, Bowl or Plate Final.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEmz_6AqfoI/AAAAAAAAAEU/UeBVAzPOvy0/s640/photo%203.JPG) (http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEm0APRx0PI/AAAAAAAAAEY/6AZtf1QAzK0/photo%202.JPG) (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEm0AAkgKHI/AAAAAAAAAEc/B2uWTVBQkHg/s640/photo%201.JPG)

Good luck to the Canadian teams racing tomorrow! Do us proud! :D

Did Road Rash take the beer bong with him?  :lol:

It is with unfortunate news, the HSBC FCRCC OPEN team has capsized at around the 300-400 meter mark. The boat rolled right, then left and we got swamped. As seat 5 started to bail, we rolled over. The open team is unhappy but in good spirits. No one is injured, just two lost pair of glasses. The two mix teams are next.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEqC-9SkbAI/AAAAAAAAAEk/vbDQ4tKBh2Q/s640/photo%204.JPG) (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEqC_AnyyQI/AAAAAAAAAEo/m0tdl5EQBj8/s640/photo%203.JPG) (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEqC_IcOasI/AAAAAAAAAEs/cREEexnLplw/s640/photo%202.JPG) (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EXK4fdrUCS0/TEqC_SQKKoI/AAAAAAAAAEw/kuSbxKhePYM/s640/photo%201.JPG)

Well here is the ironic twist of fate. Brad, puppy and shen protested the race because of the speed boats. We have won our protest and will re-race for a time. We will follow the women's race. Its getting hot here but the open team is eager to race again. Wish us luck

Awesome day of racing. The racing conditions are rougher than any BC venues.

Open
After a tough first race, the re-race allowed us to get a time to place us. Great control and timing. The start was strong, we got into a nice rythym. We stayed out and focused throughout finishing strong. One down and two more to go.

Women
Up against a tough Chinese team we had a great race. We will work a bit harder to close the gap but we are looking strong.

Mixed
Both teams had a great race. FCRCC A had a strong start taking the lead and maintained a strong effort throughout, finishing first. FCRCC B had an okay start and fought all the way to finsih second. They definitely have a better race coming but the first day jitters are now gone.

Tomorrow awaits, tougher competition and more racing. Sunday will be EPIC.

That is unfortunate.  Maybe next year, the teams will have to train by filling the boat with water up to their ankles and do race pieces outside of Burrard Bridge with the coach boat buzzing by.   :D

Now, I wonder how many of the Open team paddlers will be sporting new mutations when they come back.  Hong Kong water ....  LOL.  It must be worse than False Creek.

Here was the opening ceremony


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiPNI9kDzJE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9bWjLKKReA

  :clap:

Best of luck in tomorrow's race Jambalaya and FCRCC!  I'm glad to hear you were able to race a second time! Actually, with the time difference you'll be racing soon???  Thinkin' good thoughts for you paddlin' men, especially the one(s) really effected by the heat.Yours, Trouble (a secret admirer) ;P

Road rash commandeering puppys blackberry!  This morning went great for all crews, jambalaya and HSBC fcrcc won our respective heats and will see each other in the final... The ladies took command of their heat and the men came 2nd in ours putting us in the grand final!  As punishment for not bringing the beer bong they've put me in the mr. Dragonboat beauty contest, good thing there are a few spas between the paddlers village where I can pick up a quick wax job.  Stay tuned for this afternoons results which should come through in about 6 hours!

The racing is done!!! The weather was great, sunny and hot. Conditions on the water were much calmer making racing more to everyone's liking.

What a day of racing, intense.

HSBC FCRCC HP were the class of the mixed division. They won every race winning the gold medal in a time of 2:32. Not to be out done HSBC FCRCC Jambalaya finished second in a time of 2:35, over 4 seconds ahead of third place. They surprised many by staying with HP but in the end they could not catch them.

Open
After a tough first day, the open team were ranked 12th but they made the top division. In their semi they needed to come in the top 2. It was a hard fast race but they stayed with the Taipie team finishing second. In the premier race of the event, they were up against China, Thailand, and others. The race was fast, at the half way mark, 6th place. Pulling a great finish they ended up 5th only 2 seconds from 3rd. Hard fought 5th and a trophy to boot.

Women
The women had a great final pulling off a near upset, coming in 2nd to the Chinese team, only one second behind.

A terrific race weekend by all 60 people involved. They did HSBC FCRCC proud.

Signing off from HK

wow great job to all paddlers representing FCRCC in HK!

Fabulous job by FCRCC! Congratulations!

Still waiting for one more important result! How did Road Rash do in Mr. Dragonboat? Someone should have entered Puppy as well! :)

Congratulations FCRCC!  Nicely done to all!

Thanks for the exciting race recap, Puppy!
Way to represent!

In Asia they seem to put a lot of emphasis on the Open (Mens) races where in North America the focus is usually on Mixed. It's interesting to see the results, their Mens teams dominating and our Mixed team winning.

It looks like a great experience, thank you for representing so well.

This only the tip of the iceberg, but here is a sample of what the races looked like here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT3Fu3SiuLc

 

Here is the HSBC FCRCC WOMEN's Champion GOLD CUP Race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OML7E0k_SFY

It's not only in Asia, even European nations put more emphasis on Open races.  Were there Mixed teams entered from the Chinese teams or did they focus purely on open and womens?

Nonetheless, congratulations to FCRCC and Jambalaya for an outstanding performance.

that clip of the 60 man races looks fun!

Even more interesting when one of them sunk. Who do your rescue first?

In the local newspaper, the festival organizers were expecting around 50,000 spectators. It appears that over 100,000 spectatos attended the HK dragon boat carnival.

Get ready for a montage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg5lG-bC2QU

Cool video! Just need one for Alcan now... hahaha...

Sounds like such a great time.  I miss Hong Kong.  I remember jumping on a practice with a UBC/UT alumni team who were preparing for a big race out in Stanley.  Open water, tail end of a tyhpoon, no life jackets, freezing cold.  The steers sit down to steer in that boat, and the waves were so obnoxious and had to dodge so many windsurfers, he had to get the last two seats to help steer so we wouldn't go over.  I was never so happy to get back to land.

Congrats to all who made it out.  Sounds like it was memorable!

I want to know if Road/Rash won Mr Dragonboat

I was all talk about Mr. Dragonboat.  In fact didn't really see what the beer competition was all about either, as we were pretty busy either racing or going to dinner.  I did see them filling a bunch of whale bones full of beer, and if that was it, that would have been a tough contest!

Race Results:

http://www.hkdba.com.hk/eng/news_01.asp

Hello everyone,

It's finally nice to be back home in Vancouver.

I wanted to say thank you to a few group's and people who have made this dream possible:

HSBC Canada
HKTB - Hong Kong Tourism Board
HKETO - Hong Kong Economic Trade Office
Tao Ti - Hong Kong/Canada
Kamini, Brad, Shen, Jenny, Ryan, Erin, and Greg (There is alot more names, but know that you were all instrumental in helping make this happen)
FCRCC
Magnum
Master of D'zone

Over the last month or so, we as a CLUB/COUNTRY, came together and fielded a great group of paddlers to represent HSBC, FCRCC and Canada. 60+ people, 4 torphies, countless accolades from Hong Kong and International teams and a lifetime of memories = PRICELESS

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all and I hope to see you all soon in Hong Kong again.

For anyone wishing to race at the smaller Hong Kong Races (Similar to our Regatta's but a little larger)

Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship 2010
Time: 8am - 6:30pm
Where: Stanley Main Beach
Website: www.dragonboat.org.hk

2010 Aberdeen Dragon Boat Race
Time: 9am - 4pm
Where: Seafront of Aberdeen Promenade
Website: www.aberdeendragonboat.hk

Sha Tin Dragon Boat Race 2010
Time: 7:30am – 1pm
Where: Shing Mun River, Sha Tin (starting close to Banyan Bridge)
Website: www.stsa.org.hk

Tai Po District Dragon Boat Race 2010
Time: 8:30am-1pm
Where: Promenade at Tai Po Waterfront Park, Tai Po
Website: www.tpsa.org.hk

Tuen Mun District Dragon Boat Races 2010
Time: 8am-1pm
Where: Castle Peak Bay Typhoon Shelter, Area 44, Tuen Mun

2010 The Sai Kung Dragon Boat Races
Time: 8am–2pm
Where: Sai Kung Town Waterfront, Sai Kung
A carnival will also be held at Sai Kung Waterfront Park from 1:30pm to 5pm.
Website: www.skdragonboat.org

Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races & Carnival 2010
Time: 8am-5pm
Where: Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island. Carnival held at DB Piazza.
Website: www.dbay.hk

Cheung Chau Dragon Boat Races
Time: 10am-4:30pm
Where: Seafront of Par She Praya Road, Cheung Chau

Tai O Dragon Boat Race in Celebration of Tuen Ng Festival 2010
Time: 10am-2pm
Where: Tai O Sheltered Boat Anchorage, Tai O, Lantau Island

Read more: Dragon Boat Festival Hong Kong: Where to watch the dragon boat races in Hong Kong | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/where-watch-dragon-boat-races-hong-kong-082160#ixzz0v98jUm6k

 

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott_brooks/4826434087/in/photostream/

I am LOVING the updates - very vivid & can't wait to see photos!  ok ... I'm a week behind, but trying to catch up!

ps not all of us live in 2010,  :?
pammy wc...aka ludite :lol:

These guys were at the opening, closing and gala dinner ceremonies...

African drum at Dragon Boat Carnival HK 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e7dhwG_MhM
 

This is frowned upon in False Creek ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ0GgUE8680
 

In Hong Kong, they move 2 to 3 heats at once. Pure chaos but in some akward way - in control. During the entrie weekend, I only saw one team (i think the Austrialian's) scramble for their heat - this missed the premarshall call

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN1qZJbJ0hU

60 person dragon boat race...


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4845044734_39bc392f2c_b.jpg)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktldUdP72SY

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4855341418_1b92d10621_b.jpg)

 
Mixed Division - GOLD CUP
1st and 2nd HSBC FCRCC

 (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4844442432_f9ea07277b_b.jpg)

 


Over the next few days, keep your eye on this flickr account...there will be loads of pictures for all of you to see...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsbcfcrcc/


THE CAUSE OF THE CAPSIZE (if you look at the bottom left of the picture, you can see a ROLLER, come through from a speed boat. This is the ill fated wave that sunk the titantic and not an iceberg.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4846088080_3bd2d0b9b5_b.jpg)

BEFORE
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4846094106_a7b8e41e65_b.jpg)

AFTER
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4846249854_168f1136f0_b.jpg)

THIS IS WHERE OUR STORIES DIFFER - What happened?????

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4848783677_209256573a.jpg)

THE RE-RACE
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4846402490_4bbfcf2588_b.jpg)

If you look carefully, you will see our wonderful drummer hugging the head of our Dragon Boat. TRUST ME, she is not letting go

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4846229158_debc9ecaa6_b.jpg)


After our mishap, we recovered and re-raced in the afternoon but with only 18 paddlers


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4845826115_2fd7d0def1_b.jpg)

Bath Tub Races:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4846148680_380e772056_b.jpg)

Our wonderful Kei

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4846061002_9d808c9c72_b.jpg)

and one of our coaches

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4845436721_509720a2ab_b.jpg)

Friends and memories to last a lifetime...thank you

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4845340475_3842c03dd7_b.jpg)

Here is the fast team from THAILAND

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4845045912_0ea3749d11_b.jpg)

A Junk trying to race at the dragon boat races...what a spetacular view

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4845676291_f03bbcb7c3_b.jpg)

This is a great shot, representing both the new and experienced paddlers & east and west coast paddlers from canada

In this picture, you have Magnum, FCRCC, Masters, West Coast and East Coast paddlers representing one thing - CANADA

We ROCK!
 :clap:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4845853629_7e4054da03_b.jpg)

The Dragon is awake

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4845938755_3c8677b997_b.jpg)

The benefits of wearing a Team Canada Jersey:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4846056535_64f83ea656_b.jpg)

 (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4846047835_ca97b0681a_b.jpg)

The food was great at the festival. Lot's of little snack shops after the races:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4846581918_793a3db4b9_b.jpg)


(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4845973333_b636e425e1_b.jpg)

Team Japan (RYUKYUNANA DRAGON)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4845966389_36aafbce93_b.jpg)

Ryan's next dream, to play professional hockey in Asia

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4844427089_a2b5ab209b_b.jpg)


Ryan's first groupie:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4854609267_ca9a63d658_b.jpg)

Age does not matter...here is the 40+ crew...can u guess who the young one is, in this picture?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4844384555_57319db6fd_b.jpg)

Hello LA, we got 2 LA

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4854771389_c40a815e07_b.jpg)

Team Canada PRAYING that we don't get run over by Taxi Drivers

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4844384043_05ca44e4a2_b.jpg)

At the end of the races on Saturday, the festival organizers gave Team Canada free beer for everyone. In return, we had to take some photo's with the tasty San Miguel Beer.....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4843798507_39aae78e64_b.jpg)

Are you suprised to see Rob in this picture?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4853424283_42a2b4e31e_b.jpg)

Erin and Leah in charge of our BIG A$$ Bailers that we made in Hong Kong.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4845376367_2c56912f0e_b.jpg)

How to correctly beat the drum...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4845986395_1c68d6788d_b.jpg)

and how to correctly eat your food

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4848598887_c2d4ec82c9_b.jpg)

Here is a picture of our semi-finals. We had to come 1 or 2, to advance to the Final GOLD CUP Race. We were against the hot Hong Kong Island Paddling Club. At the start, HKIPC flew out of the start gate. But true to our form, we tracked them down and then passed them around the 450M mark. Once we caught them, there was no holding back....

Off the line, HKIPC in the lead
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4854724585_00f75431fe_b.jpg)

450M mark, we start to pull away
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4848363756_a15c98833b_b.jpg)


 

the japanese praying to the boat gods?   Maybe you guys should've done a ribbon cutting ceremony with a whole roast pig and rice wine...!  :drink:

Here is a roller that went underneath of us. You can't see these rollers but you sure can feel them....

You can see Jes, trying to brace the boat...I don't think he wanted to go for a swim...Our drummer was not to thrilled either.
 :upsidehead:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4847766213_888e21a13b_b.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4848192387_34aab1b9fb_b.jpg)


Check out the BURNWATER Blade....hhehhe couldn't resist the free plug here! Burnwater = medal...ok, no more 

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4848841259_1227d000d1.jpg)

I believe this was the top Open team in Hong Kong

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsbcfcrcc/4849165552/?likes_hd=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsbcfcrcc/4849165552/?likes_hd=1)

To the San Francisco Dragon Warriors - congratulations on your first place finish and welcome to the HULI team:

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs175.snc4/38113_10150237186990109_901740108_13708433_6316058_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs212.snc4/38922_10150237186960109_901740108_13708431_2742480_n.jpg)

Mr. Hans Wu switching to the dark side....mmmwwwaaahhhhh

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4848126151_dfc649e850_b.jpg)

Pre-Marshall Area

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4848786985_ee5240cb21.jpg)

Coach of the DragonBall Z team - Shane

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4849387420_9f28b64141.jpg)

OK, I finally found a picture on my camera - here are the showers.  Don't forget, all the run off water goes back into Victoria harbour - where we race

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4849430654_50d1a809cc.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4849421864_92b8a9188c.jpg)

At the celebration dinner, Team Thailand did a Maui Thai Boxing skit

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4848226175_022c270137.jpg)

this is the Singapore Breast Cancer team - it was a sexy number with a smoke show

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4848214839_997e5b383f.jpg)

A spontanteous dance with everyone

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4848841154_e45a4511b2.jpg)

After all the fun was had, we ate like KINGS/QUEENS
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs115.ash2/39109_705137746351_21011296_43359298_7221116_n.jpg)

Our shy girls on our team

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4848822579_aa1ae166b5.jpg)

To great friends/teammates/partnership - this is truly what dragon boating is about (winning isn't everything but sure feels great)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4848843961_948796ff99.jpg)

thanks for sharing your great photos, puppy. looked like a great festival except for the showers and commute from the racer's village

There are bright sides to everything (water fights at the showers, and all kinds of places to eat at between racer's village and marshalling area)

Final - Mixed Race (HSBC FCRCC is in Lane 4 - HSBC FCRCC Jambalaya is in Lane 5)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4848632180_b4aacb6647_b.jpg)

I can't find a photo of us racing this race...but i found a picture of the this race just as we are heading to the start gate. I haven't laughed so hard in a race. This race to me, will always be called "Mandy's Race". If you look carefully, we were only allowed 18 paddlers. The water conditions were too dangerous to race with 20. Our coach decide to implement a 19th paddler. But she isn't really paddling. See if you can see her. You can only see her forhead.

Here's the fun part...can anyone figure out why I or even our drummer would find this funny. Here's a little secret - if she's not paddling what the heck would she be doing in the boat? :rofl:

There so many highlights in Hong Kong, but this is one that will always stick in my head.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4845463707_9ab48a2e73_b.jpg)

Is she there to keep Denis company?  :D

My guess is: she's there to balance out the boat during rocky moments?

(I wasn't in HK, so prizes better still be applicable!)

Close. I will award a Burnwater Fusion grip to the first correct answer. But here are some rules. You can't ask anyone who went to hk (honour system). You have to tell me why she was there and what made us laugh so loud.

Pretty sure she was there to bail.

I'm guessing she threw the water over her teammates and back into the boat when bailing.

Keenman wins (just pm your info to me). We had her bailing with the big a$$ bailer but when she started to bail, she went nuts. She scooped so fast she didn't realize where she was throwing the water.  She ended up throwing the water over her shoulder and right into Greg's (race director for alcan) face. She contine to do this for the whole race. Every so often, she would throw the water straight up into the air and it would even nail me.  But the most amazing thing was Greg kept his focus and raced and amazing race. He would just shake his head to get the water off his face but would continue his stroke. I honestly couldn't keep a straight face. Even louise (the drummer and wife) was having a hoot watching this. Mandy, you sure made that race so memorable - can't even remember were we finished. However, we had the driest boat at the end of that race (except for Greg's face).

Puppy, is that a paddle sticking out of your lifejacket?  Interesting spot for a spare paddle...

Quickest way to the blade without bending over.  There is another spare paddle in around seat 3 - 4. 

Having a dedicated bailer on the boat? That's one heck of a luxury!

I know. In past, we could jettison paddlers if the boat filled with water. Now, they want you to finish with the same amount of paddlers you started with. The other option was to have one bench bail (usually 5 or 6) but this can be hard during an intense race. However the othe option is to race all 100lbs paddlers (like magnum or ucla or even uc irvine).

Two the happiest dude's in Hong Kong

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4848845585_9814be0010_b.jpg)

 (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4854009830_e3c96ff128_b.jpg)

They had the best first aid group, they had so many people around. If you got hurt, 3 or 4 of them would surround you at once. Things weren't that busy i guess.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4853401219_666d80e3d6_b.jpg)

The GOLD CUP - Women's Division Result
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4854760631_846497d64a_b.jpg)
 

The GOLD CUP mixed Division

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4854755865_a6134f0bc4_b.jpg)

In the pre-marshall, Lane 4 HSBC FCRCC A, Lane 5 HSBC FCRCC B

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4846054004_89eec37b49_b.jpg)

OK, I'm slightly confused with this photo...3 happy people - 1 very distrubed one

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4854758091_e9ed4b4a0f_b.jpg)

The local non-asian's

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4855360402_06bbcb4d12_b.jpg)

These were his (they guy on the left), exact words... ("Dude, it sucks being a stroker in this water") But what is amazing, is that he can keep his spikey hair up.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4854753343_66a523ce75_b.jpg)

How much money do I have left? can i make it make it back to the hotel, on the MTR?

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4845979984_0084af2388_b.jpg)

These souvenirs were giving to all the paddlers:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4845391559_5423744996_b.jpg)

During the festival, there was a military helicopter rescue demostration...look carefully and you will see someone hanging from the helicopter:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4846258618_4168feac06_b.jpg)

Here is the nerve center. There were at least 30 people up in the control tower.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845737577_21398a6482_b.jpg)

The "great one"....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4847693733_eda8d5e824_b.jpg)

Way to cool....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4848930078_ca3b243349_b.jpg)

if you can't read chinese, here's the english version

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4848927960_5fe31c472a_b.jpg)

There will be a HK$1000 bill availabe at the end of 2010, that depicts Dragon Boating.

It's definitely the other way around

Here is the Top Women's Team from China...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4856285159_cbd72125a3_b.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4856905984_e4f6e84383_b.jpg)

Racer's Village at the Polytechnic

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4856901094_2d00985300_b.jpg)

Trading Jersey's with the Tawainese Girls...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4856364543_8d8316e2fa_b.jpg)

The last race ...the Open division....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4856297723_15b0ecc06c_b.jpg)

Thank you TAO TI...for the sponsorship of much needed carbohydrates

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4855230610_81081e93b8_b.jpg)

Discovery Chanel Interview:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4855258176_e16b9e18d4_b.jpg)

Is that going to be a full-length program dedicated to the Canadian team or just a tiny weeny segment? :o

Sorry, I don't know the answer, but we will be given a copy for all to see.

If I recall correctly it was for "Great Festivals of the World", Discovery Channel Series... It was to air in October or something to that effect.

ROLLERS and WAKE...which one would you prefer...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4863803719_63442aafe7.jpg)

Instant fame as we walked with the medals

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4863800339_cc9024a7e9.jpg)

I finally got it...now I know why they called him Mr. Clean....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4864418126_516a41a5b8.jpg)

Seriously, these were all BRAND NEW BOATS...just unwrapped for us to use:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4864416850_31e8c5943c.jpg)

Shopping anyone

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4863798319_df7c54dcc7.jpg)

Here are the three categories (Gold Cup, Plate and Bowl) Canada, all four teams made the GOLD CUP races...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4863797539_b2b4cf4962.jpg)

Marvel at their setup

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4863796371_2ffb0f9050.jpg)

Disneyland had a corporate team...I tried to trade with them, but they didn`t show up the second day

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4863794569_de87208827.jpg)

The peak at night

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4864411776_80309d36a1.jpg)

Here is the team we got into an arguement with in the morning at the hotel. Something about taking their buses..

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4863793325_15e06fd536.jpg)

Our skit was like being on the GLEE club...very cute and funny...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4863790689_cac818cac3.jpg)

Don`t even ask...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4864407694_0bc4a8f0b9.jpg)

Here`s an intersting picture...Dom is from Hong Kong and one of his goals or wish, was to race in his home city

Well Dom, you did that and you kicked butt...

PS if you race in HK, please bring Dom with you - Great tour guide but of all - A GREAT FRIEND to have

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4864407118_b606f248ca.jpg)

The amazing Women`s Team

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4864406900_a6617fd461.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4864404674_d5653372c0.jpg)

The wave was this big....
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4864404316_1168247755.jpg)

Seriously, I think we are front right HEAVY....

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4863784147_47aa66f7d7.jpg)

Open race (Gold Cup Final)...team Canada is in Lane 7

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4863782837_977dbcde1b.jpg)

I have never seen such an empty MTR train

Hey, that`s a canadian sitting there...

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4863778907_5f3a78f84c.jpg)

Mickey fans admiring our paddler from Canada
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4863776421_b1e52af76b.jpg)

can you just imagine why they call him Road Rash...mmmmm

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4864380254_8c0b8e9b15.jpg)

Check out the Toothpick....the oar that is....Jenny`s is just holding a straight line with this pencil oars.

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4863744499_1ccbc228e5.jpg)

Fesitval life jackets...RED BULLs EYE

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4863743021_ac29392db2.jpg)

the big Buddha

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4863728437_cf27b357d3.jpg)

Does it ever end???????

Yup...so done...was waiting for the last photo's from another teammate...So the rest of the pictures are located at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsbcfcrcc/

This Hong Kong Thread is now officially done, unless someone wants to continue writing about it.  Hopefully next years group will send even more exciting photo's and information back.

ttt

There should be more pictures still not uploaded. Just wait for em =) keep checking back

Posted in: Press Releases

August 12th, 2010


Four Canadian dragon boat racing teams from British Columbia, Canada, on Wednesday, August 11,  celebrated their recent victory at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival with their sponsors at a downtown Vancouver restaurant.

The four teams, all from the False Creek Racing Canoe Club (FCRCC), won one gold, two silver, and one bronze trophy in the newly introduced “mega” carnival in Hong Kong in three categories – mixed, open, and women’s international championship.

Their trip to Hong Kong was sponsored by HSBC Bank Canada and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Toronto, and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

About 30 members of the Vancouver media also took part in the “welcome back” celebration to share the joy with the HSBC-FCRCC Dragon Boat Teams at Kirin Seafood Restaurant. The captain of the four teams, Mr Kerry Chow, took the opportunity to thank the sponsors for making their trip possible. “We’ll go back to Hong Kong to defend our titles,” he said. “We’ll be returning with eight teams next year.”

The Director of the HKETO in Toronto, Ms Maureen Siu, described Hong Kong as the birthplace of modern dragon boat racing in her welcoming remarks. “Dragon boating in Canada began at the World Expo in Vancouver in 1986, when the city was given six dragon boats by Hong Kong,” she said. “Now this event has become a popular sporting activity in major cities across Canada, and evolved beyond festivals to include community, charity and sport racing in many different combinations.”

HKTB’s Director of Canada, Central and South America, Mr Michael Lim, said that the participation of the four high-calibre British Columbia teams in this year’s carnival could pave the way for more teams from other Canadian provinces to compete in the international dragon boat races in Hong Kong in future.

The False Creek Racing Canoe Club is one of Canada’s leading paddle clubs and celebrates its silver jubilee this year. The club’s dragon boat teams have excelled at many national and international competitions and have won the Hong Kong championships five times in previous years.

Supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Mega Events Fund, the Dragon Boat Carnival took place from July 23 to 25 in Victoria Harbour with great success. It was one of the highlights of the HKTB’s annual “Summer Festivities”, with more than 4,000 athletes representing 190 teams from 12 countries or regions competing for the trophies.

(http://www.hketo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DragonBoat-Photo-1.jpg)

The captain of the four Canadian dragon boat racing teams, Mr Kerry Chow (right), presents "Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival" souvenirs to the sponsoring organisations' representatives. From left are Vice President of HSBC Bank Canada, Mr Paul Irving; District Vice President of HSBC; Ms Jocelyn Hsiung; Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Ms Maureen Siu; and Director, Canada and Central and South America, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Michael Lim.

(http://www.hketo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DragonBoat-Photo-2-731x1024.jpg)
Ms Siu and Mr Chow with some of the trophies won at last month's "Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival".

(http://www.hketo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Dragon-Boat-Photo-3.jpg)
Mr Kerry Chow (left) and key members (Andrea Dillon, Kamini Jain, Jackie Webber, Greg Lamb) of the four Canadian dragon boat racing teams from False Creek in Vancouver with the representatives of their sponsoring organisations - HSBC's District Vice President, Ms Jocelyn Hsiung (second from left); Director, Canada and Central and South America, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Michael Lim (fourth from left); and Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Ms Maureen Siu (fifth from left).

Very nice ending.  Great job Canada!!   :clap:

from our good friends HKIPC (Hong Kong Island Paddling Club)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS4FsFQdW40