Estimated 2,500 paddlers to compete in the DBS Marina Regatta

SINGAPORE — About 2,500 paddlers are expected to compete at this year’s DBS Marina Bay Regatta, which will offer a total prize purse of S$215,000 across nine race categories.

Now in its fourth year, the event will span over three consecutive weekends from May 30-31 to June 13-14. A traditional boat race consisting of six- and 12-men crew dragon boat races for the SEA Games will be held on the second weekend of the regatta, which is organised by DBS Bank in partnership with the Singapore Dragonboat Association (SDBA).

“The DBS Marina Regatta has contributed largely to the revitalisation of dragon boating throughout Asia. Over the last four years, the DBS Marina Regatta has helped to develop dragon boaters in the region by giving them the opportunity and the platform to measure themselves against one another,” said Singapore Dragonboat Association (SDBA) senior vice-president John McGrath.

Besides the dragon boat events, the DBS Marina Regatta will also include community outreach programs like “Paddle for Good” where people with disabilities, such as members from the Deaf Dragon team can simulate a dragon boat race with the use of indoor ergometer machines. DBS will donate S$100 for every one kilometre paddled.

The regatta will also offer fringe activities such as the Asian Cosplay Cup, Bumboat tours, Amazing Race and the DBS Movies by the Bay.

It will also coincide with the South-east Asian Games, which Singapore will host from June 5 to 16.