A world cup style event

This event differs from usual regattas. The world cup style concept being trialled involves a team competing in both Mixed 20s and Open and Womens 10s crews across a range of distances:

• clubs enter a ‘fixed’ team of up to 28 paddlers (including sweeps and drummers and emergencies) in a category. All athletes must be entered on the team list. This list is set at the start of the competition and remains the same over the three days
• age categories – Juniors (10-18 maximum*); Premier (no age restriction); Seniors 40+, Seniors 55+, Cancer Survivors and Supporters (no age restriction)

NOTE* - by 31 December 2021

• maximum two teams per club per category
• all teams compete in a suite of 100m, 200m, 500m and 1km races
• all events will be in 20s boats.  

Preliminary timetable (TBC)

• Day 1 - Friday 16 April (Start - 8.30am)

100 metre sprints - Mixed 20s; 200 metres - Open and Womens 10s (accumulated times)

• Day 2 - Saturday 17 April

I km turns race - Open and Womens 10s compete in the same race in separate boats e.g. Women’s boats start 30 seconds before Open crews. The time will start when the Women’s team starts and will stop when the second crew (Men or Women) has crossed the finish line.

• Day 3 – Sunday 18 April (Finish approx. 2.30pm)

500 metres - Mixed 20s

Each day is divided into:

• AM – Premier, Juniors/Cancer Survivors and Supporters (TBC)
• PM – Seniors 40+, Seniors 55+, Juniors/Cancer Survivors and Supporters (TBC)

Number of teams in a category – ‘capped’ at:

• 24 Premier
• 6 Cancer Survivors and Supporters
• 24 Seniors 40+ and Seniors 55+
• 6 Juniors

‘Capping’ means those applying through the Expression of Interest process will be given first priority to participate. It also ensures the total number of paddlers attending the event at any one time is limited to easily comply with current COVID-19 restrictions on attendance at sporting events in Victoria.

NOTE 1:  Additional places may be available following the Expression of Interest process depending on the number of entries received.

NOTE 2:  If there are fewer entries than available in any categories, the program will be adjusted, where possible, to increase the number of races in that or other categories.

Crew composition

• Mixed boats – a maximum of 10 male paddlers. Sweep and drummer of either gender.
• Open boats – sweep and drummer of either gender.
• Womens boats – all female crew including sweep and drummer.
• Cancer Survivors – in the first instance we are seeking Expressions of Interest from clubs able to enter a team which meets the DBV definition of a cancer survivor as any DBV member who has had a diagnosis of cancer.  This is an inclusive policy which enables the participation of breast cancer survivors associated with Dragons Abreast clubs and from within other clubs, as well as female and male survivors of other cancers.  Sweeps and drummers can be cancer survivors or supporters.

NOTE: It is recognised that there will be queries about the potential composition of teams in this category and individual paddler participation dependent upon whether this category is scheduled for the morning or afternoon sessions.

• Written exemptions can be applied for if unable to meet the above criteria and considered with a view to enabling flexibility and encouraging participation in a fair manner.

• Clubs can combine with other clubs to enter the event or build a team with individual members from a number of clubs. If a club recruits paddlers from another dragon boat club they must get permission to do so from that club.
• Clubs can also recruit non-dragon boat members for this event to assist with recruitment to the sport.  These ‘new’ members might include ex-paddlers, kayakers, outriggers and canoeists.  Each club would need to ensure however, that these members are covered under the AusDBF insurance arrangements e.g. in Victoria the use of the Dragon Pass may apply; DBV will assist clubs in the use of the Dragon Pass.
• Athletes must be registered on the RevSPORT website for administrative, safety and COVID control requirements.

Cost per team

• $1,800 + GST for the first boat entered by a club for the 3 day event and $1,400 + GST for a second or subsequent boat entered – an average of approx. $70 per team member for a 28 member team. $900 + GST for Junior teams.
• Clubs will be invoiced for a 30% non-refundable deposit following acceptance of an Expression of Interest with the balance being received 2 weeks later. NOTE: Payments will be fully refunded (less a small administration fee) in the event of a COVID-19 related incident preventing participation or event cancellation. 

Minimum number of races based on maximum entries

• Day 1 – minimum of two 100m races plus minimum of two 200m races in a 4 hour timeframe.
• Day 2 – minimum of two 1000m races in a 2-4 hour timeframe.
• Day 3 – minimum of two 500 metre races in a 1.5-3 hour timeframe.

Semi-finalists and finalists will race in up to four races in each distance.

Race draw and lane allocation

• the processes for each event will be outlined in Bulletin #2.

Awards

• Every race counts with points allocated to every finishing position.
• Placegetter awards per category, plus the ‘Southern Cross Cup’ for the team winning the highest number of points across all categories will be awarded the perpetual ‘Southern Cross Cup’.

Promotion of the sport

• Kayo/Fox Sport – will be filming a number of events for use in promoting the sport around the World
• Show your colours – recognising the drive-in nature of the event and to stay COVID safe it is requested that each club provides their own marquees, signage and seating. We are looking for a vivid display of colours representing the range of teams participating to highlight the sport on Kayo/FoxSport. 

Additional Information

• Accommodation – is readily available within Wodonga and Albury and the surrounding area given the event has been scheduled away from the Easter weekend.  When booking accommodation clubs should check policies on refunds due to any COVID related cancellations.

See special rates for Quest Albury - View here

See Blazing Stump Motel rooms and facilities Here and brochure here. Rates: $151.00 Junior Suites, $156.00 Executive King Suites, $235.00 2 Bedroom Courtyard Apartments, $255.00 2 Bedroom Executive Spa Apartments

• Food – local vendors available on site.
• COVID-19 requirements – the event will conform with any COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time e.g. social distancing. As a consequence we will not be utilising traditional marshalling arrangements.  View Covid checklist here
• Other activities - some groups may wish to organise additional activities for participants within the three day event.  These should be discussed with DBV to ensure their fit with the program.  

Dates and deadlines

• Any queries forwarded to DBV – administration@dragonboatvictoria.com.au.
• Monday 1 March – 11.59pm – Expressions of Interest should be forwarded via the following link HERE indicating interest in securing a place in the regatta and committing to forwarding an initial deposit, subject to acceptance by DBV.  Expressions of Interest should include the following details:
  • Name of club and contact person with authority for commitments
  • Category/categories to be entered
  • Any specific queries
• Monday 8 March - Acceptance of entry notified and Invoice seeking a 30% deposit forwarded by DBV to clubs.
• Monday 15 March - Payment of deposit to DBV.
• Monday 29 March - Final payment due.