Dragon Boat Race Participant Information Hub
This page has everything you need to know in preparation for taking part in the Dragon Boat Race.
For on the day event information, branding opportunities and FAQs, please scroll down.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to email: events@naomihouse.org.uk
Sponsorship
Your registration fee contributes to the cost associated with staging this event.
We kindly ask that each team raises a minimum of £2,000 in sponsorship – based on 11 team members, that’s only £180 each.
'£2,000 could help fund a nurse 24/7 for 3 days to provide expert nursing care'
'£180 could fund 2 sibling support sessions'
Get your fundraising off to the best possible start by personalising your online fundraising page.
Click here for Enthuse top tips to help you with your online fundraising page.
To help you spread the word about your amazing challenge and the difference you are making click here for copy to use on your social media.
If you prefer to use a paper sponsorship form to an online fundraising page, feel free to download and print a copy here.
We would like to invite you to visit the hospices to see the impact your sponsorship can have on the children, young adults and families in our care.
Tours of our hospices take place weekly on a Friday afternoon at 1:30pm and last approximately 90 minutes.
Please contact hello@naomihouse.org.uk to book your visit.
ON THE DAY
The Dragon Boat Race is located on the Itchen Navigation alongside Palmer Field in Winchester.
What 3 Words: ///lunching.gravest.crisis
09:00 Registration - Each team is required to check in at event control and you’ll be shown to your team ‘pen’ for the day.
10:00 Event start, with a welcome and brief overview of the day, followed by a call-up for the first teams.
10:33 Heat 1 race due to run.
Followed by heat 2, 3 and so on.
13:30 Race experience - for members of the public to 'try a row'.
16:00 GRAND FINAL - The event will draw to a close after an award ceremony where custom laser engraved glass sail trophies and medals are awarded to the winners.
Each team will compete in three qualifying heats, facing different opponents in each race starting from 10:30am. The races will be run over a distance of 200 meters, with each team consisting of 10 paddlers and 1 drummer. After each race the times are put up on the results board at event control and are also read out over the p.a. system. The races are electronically timed down to the hundredths of a second. The race is completed when the front of the boat crosses the finish line.
The top two teams after the qualifying heats will advance to the grand final (a fourth race). Additionally, there will be a minor final to determine the 3rd and 4th place finishers.
With 10 teams participating, this will result in 15 qualifying heats, plus the final and minor final, for a total of 17 races during the event.
After a welcome introduction at 10am, and a brief overview of the day, the first teams will be called up for your safety briefing, buoyancy aids and paddles will be distributed. Key safety points and initial landside training will be given including; how to correctly hold the paddle and the best paddle techniques, how to start and stop the boat, how to stop the boat capsizing, the 'buddy' system and what to do in the event of a capsize. Water safety and potential medical issues are also identified.
Personal fitness over this distance is not important as team work, paddle timing and a determination to be the best team.
Please Note: No On-Site Parking Available
We kindly advise using the following nearby car parks:
General Public Parking:
- St Catherine’s Park & Ride
- All day: £3.50
- Saturdays (up to 3 hours): £1.80
- Approx. 10-minute walk via St Catherine’s View path
- Barfield Park & Ride Multistorey
- All day: £3.50
- Saturdays (up to 3 hours): £1.80
- Short walk past Kingsgate Tennis Club
We have a special opportunity for anyone interested in experiencing a dragon boat race that is not already apart of an official team.
Spaces will be first come first serve on the day (up to 22 people) and the race will take place at approx. 1:30pm.
We kindly ask for a suggested donation of £10 for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
The Dragon Boat race is accompanied by a fete throughout the day on the field along the riverbed, so there is plenty to keep you, your team and all your friends and family occupied.
Refreshments
RRT serving premium burgers with tortilla chips (11:30-1:30)
Final Furlong Fizzbox serving a selection of hot drinks
Kings Whippy Surrey serving delicious ice creams
Just Slush serving ice cold slush puppy’s
Chippy Wagon serving baps, chips and a selection of drinks
Stallholders
And many, many more.
Entertainment
EMP Face Painting
Binngs Bouncy Castles
Amazing Colour Maze
'Try A Row' Experience
Come along to watch Dragon Boat Racing
Whether you are part of a team or not we invite you and your family to come along for a day of excitement and fun, watching the teams battle it out on the water.
There will be plenty of family friendly activities available such as a bouncy castle, ice cream, refreshment stalls and gift stalls. Plus there is a chance for you to hop into a dragon boat and give rowing a go!
Supported by Starboard Card
Starboard Card is proud to support Naomi House & Jacksplace and the incredible work they do for children, young adults, and families across England.
"We’re an expense management service specifically designed for the superyacht industry, and we’re honoured to be sponsoring the 2025 Dragon Boat Race."
