About the Race
Since 1999, the
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and City of Pawtucket have
hosted the Chinese Dragonboat Races and Taiwan Day
Festival.
The Rhode
Island Dragonboat Race and Taiwan Day Festival are
modeled after the world famous Dragon Boat Festivals held around
the world. Dragon boats, paddles, drum, t-shirts, hats, training
time, and personal flotation devices are provided for
contestants, who provide a maximum of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer.
There are 3 categories of general races, set by time trials, and several
special races, along with a festival and an awards ceremony.
The Rhode Island Dragonboat Race
and Taiwan Day Festival are modeled after the world famous Dragon
Boat Festivals held around the world. We supply the dragon boats,
paddles, drum, team tent, t-shirts, hats, training time, personal
flotation devices, special awards ceremony and the fun! You
supply the paddle power!
Teams paddle 52’ authentic
Taiwan-constructed dragon boats. Team members must be at least 18 years of age
and able to swim 300 feet. The race course is approximately 1,000 feet. Teams
will compete for 1st place cash prizes and trophies for 2nd, 3rd
and 4th places in each division. See Rules and
Provisions
This year's race features 3 divisions based
upon time trials. First prize in the Dragon Division is $1,500, the Lion
Division $1,250, and the Tiger Division is $1,000. Special races include the
Rhode Island City and Town Challenge,
Breast Cancer Awareness Race,
and the Insurance Agency Challenge . The
race is held on the Pawtucket River, beginning at the School Street Pier.
Practice sessions are available. Entry fees are $600 per team and includes a
pizza lunch and awards presented at a post-race ceremony.
To register or request more information, call 401-724-2200, email us, use
our online form or download
a pdf version of the form.
You may also download the online
brochure. Events take
place from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RI CITY & TOWN
CHALLENGE
$1000 prize donated to the charity of your choice
plus your team name inscribed on this trophy.
$100 registration discount
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS RACE
$1000 prize donated to the charity of your
choice.
$100 registration discount
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RACE
Compete for the opportunity to win a $1000
donation for the breast cancer charity of your choice.
$100 registration discount
INSURANCE AGENCY CHALLENGE
$1000 prize donated to the charity of your
choice.
$100 registration discount
Teams signed up for these special races are also eligible to race
throughout the day.
The races will be held on the Pawtucket River starting at the
School Street Pier in Pawtucket. It will consist of 3 lanes and
is approximately 1,000 feet long. Each team must designate a team
captain, and a team representative.
To enter: First, assemble your team and register as soon as
possible. Confirmation is made upon receipt of your race entry
form and list of team members and alternates as well as the entry
fee. Team entry fee includes t-shirts, medals, team trophy, pizza
lunch and water! Entry fee is $600.00. Register before July 1st
and save $50.00! Practice sessions are available days and
evenings for pre-registered teams (please refer to the
practice calendar) for open times. So sign up
now online or by downloading the
registration form and filling it out.
The Chinese
dragon boat races will always be a symbol of Chinese culture and
spirit. As one of the three largest Chinese festivals of the
year, this mythical celebration can now be witnessed around the
world.
To experience a dragon boat race - either
watching or participating - is a thrill in itself and can be
enjoyed by everyone. You'll watch as long, multicoloured boats,
with frightening dragons' heads, long tails, and scaley bodies,
splash through the water. You'll see men and women grunt and
sweat as they push themselves harder and faster to be the first
to the finish line. You'll hear the crowds screaming and cheering
for their favorite team, while the drummers pound on their drums
and yell at the paddlers. More
This year's race is presented by the Taipei Economic
and Cultural Office, Rhode Island Chinese Community, City of
Pawtucket, Bank of America and Providence Journal.
Sponsors include the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council,
Pawtucket Arts Festival, Rhode Island Monthly, and the Memorial
Hospital of Rhode Island.
Dragonboat Rules | Online Registration |Download
Registration| Download Practice Schedule
