Dragon boat racing set for record year at Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday 26 January is set to deliver one of its biggest and most vibrant dragon boat racing programmes to date, with record participation numbers and the first ever overseas dragon boat teams taking part.

As part of this year’s regatta, more than 40 local dragon boat teams will line up at Viaduct Harbour, joined by four visiting crews from China, boosting the total number of competitors to well over 500 paddlers. In recent years, the event has typically attracted around 360 paddlers, making this year’s turnout a significant step up in scale and energy.

The increased number of teams and paddlers is expected to bring greater depth of competition, while also creating a bigger and more engaging spectacle for spectators watching from the Viaduct waterfront.

The visiting crews from the Guangzhou Liede Dragon Boat Team will mark the first-ever appearance of a China-based dragon boat team at the regatta. Around 50 paddlers and supporters are travelling from Guangzhou, Auckland’s sister city, with the Auckland Dragon Boat Association (ADBA) and Auckland entrepreneur Wayne Huang playing a key role in bringing the team to Auckland.

Regatta Chair Bill Lomas says the expansion of the dragon boat races is a natural fit for an event that has always reflected the diversity of Auckland’s on-water activity.

“Dragon boat racing has become one of the most exciting and accessible parts of the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, for both participants and spectators. Seeing the number of teams and paddlers grow – and welcoming international crews for the first time – shows how the regatta is continuing to evolve while staying true to its roots as a celebration of our city’s maritime history and spirit.”

Dragon boat racing takes place alongside the regatta’s wider programme, which includes classic yachts, sailing dinghies, waka ama, keelboats, launches, tugboats and radio controlled yachts – making the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta one of the most varied and spectator-friendly maritime events in the country.

The dragon boat racing will run from 8.30am to 5.00pm at Viaduct Harbour, offering a full day of fast-paced racing, colourful boats and a lively waterfront atmosphere for spectators.

Full details, including race schedules and where to watch, are available at www.regatta.org.nz.