Teams still needed to enter annual dragon boat festival

Teams from across the area are invited to compete in a day of dragon boat racing at Lakeside, North Harbour, while raising money for their chosen charity.

The event is on Sunday, May 15 and is organised by the Rotary clubs of Southsea Castle and Portsmouth and Southsea.

The day runs from 10.30am till 4pm.

Carol Jenkinson, of the Rotary Club of Southsea Castle, said: ‘It’s a fun way to raise money for your chosen charity and your sponsor can also come down and spend the day with you, which I think is nice.’

It’s a fun day out for all the family with plenty going on for spectators and competitors when not racing, including archery, laser quest, a children’s play area, charity stalls and activities, food outlets and a licensed bar.

There is free entry for spectators with plenty of car parking for a small donation of £3 per car.

Participants need to get a team of 17 people together, as each boat holds 16 paddlers and a drummer.

You then compete against each other in a series of heats, with the fastest team receiving a trophy and winners medals.

The boats, a fully-qualified helmsman, all safety equipment, training and team tents are supplied by the events company.

Entry for each boat costs £425 and this year the entrance fee also includes a changing marquee which will be supplied and erected by the events company.

Teams are encouraged to come along in fancy dress as it always makes the team easily recognisable. There is an award for the best dressed team.

The charities chosen by the Rotary clubs this year are Portsmouth-based Enable Ability and Fitzroy.

Each team can choose their own charity that they wish to support but are asked to give 10 per cent of the collection to the chosen charities.

To download an entry form and to see videos from past dragon boat festivals, visit portsdragonboatfestival.co.uk or search for the page on Facebook.