State Titles 2010 - 20/21 March
On the third weekend in March, severe tropical Cyclone Ului threatened the Queensland coast. While centred in the Coral Sea, significant effects were being felt at Kawana on the Sunshine Coast, the site for the 2010 Queensland Dragon Boat State Titles.
More than 500 paddlers from 16 clubs from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales gathered at Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast. Under stormy skies and a strong cross wind, Manly Dragons lined up in the first race of the regatta. The crew gave a good account of themselves paddling an impressive 2.09 minutes for the 500 metres. This set the stage for a hectic weekend's paddling with Manly contesting no fewer than 13 races over the 2 days.
On occasions, crew members were paddling in 3 races back to back - and loving it.
At the end of the Regatta, Manly Dragons had won state medals in the 500m races for the Grand Masters (50 years +) Open and Grand Masters Mixed categories. The Masters Women (40 years +) and the Premiers Mixed (30 years +) had taken out the major silverware in the Minor Finals.
The final race of the regatta was the gruelling 2 km pursuit race around a rectangular course. There was plenty of close racing and some impressive overtaking action. Manly Dragons were placed a credible 5th out a field of 12.
These regatta results are impressive when considered that the club is in its third competitive season. Manly Dragons are now focussing on the National Dragon Boat Championships being held in Adelaide on the Anzac Day weekend.
Anyone interested in giving dragon boat paddling a go should have a look at www.manlydragons.com.au or call 0421750443
|
