ONLY two weeks into the job, new Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club president Fiona Thorn was thrown in the deep end, figuratively speaking.
Her first major task was to see her club host its annual regatta, only the third in recent history.
It’s a major undertaking for even the most experienced president, but the club certainly has the winning formula.
With a genuinely unique venue, 75-plus dedicated volunteers and perfect weekend weather, the regatta continues to go from strength to strength.
“Every year the club learns more,” Ms Thorn said.
“There’s no doubt it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun, and the feedback from visiting paddlers is so inspiring.
“We all find it so rewarding, being part of a wonderful club that hosts such a successful event.”
What makes the regatta particularly special is the venue, Stoney Park at Telegraph Point.
The enclosed man-made waterway enables crews to race without having to contend with tides or swell.
The result is faster racing, quicker turnaround times and the ability to run almost 100 races over the weekend.
Another key to the regatta’s efficiency is the use of seven dragon boats rather than the usual four, with special thanks to the Wauchope and Manning River clubs for boosting boat numbers.
“That’s almost twice the number of boats and races normally available,” Ms Thorn said.
“But, it provides many more opportunities for paddlers to get on the water.
“Of course, it also means twice the organisation and work behind the scenes.”
Peter Guild was one of several boat wranglers, standing waist-deep in the water for much of the weekend.
“I’m not sure who’s more challenged, the volunteers or the competitors,” he said.
Around 300 paddlers competed each day, representing 14 clubs from across the state. Crews travelled from Coffs Harbour, the Central Coast – even Bathurst and Orange.
The program was mainly made up of 200m races, but there were also 1.4km races around the islands strategically positioned at either end of the enclosed waterway. Categories also included Over 70s and All Cancer Paddlers, adding plenty of variety to the event.
Anyone wishing to try their hand at this increasingly popular sport can contact Kath Branscombe or Maureen Phinn at sect@havendragons.org, or visit the club’s Facebook page.
By Alison STEWART
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