A record number of teams have entered the 2015 Grafton Jacaranda Dragon Boat races. Thirty-eight teams have nominated for the 13th annual event on the Clarence River at Grafton on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November, which is one of the biggest dragon boat regattas in New South Wales and has major sponsors of the Clarence Valley Council, BCF Grafton and the Crown Hotel. The regatta is run by the Grafton Dragon Boat Club, which is busily training community teams involved in the racing. The program gets under way on Saturday afternoon, with a 7km chase race for the sports teams from the rowing club to Peanut Island and back. This race is sponsored in 2015 by the Crown Hotel – a great vantage point to watch the racing from 1.30pm. On Sunday 1st November sports teams (mens, women and mixed) from northern NSW and Queensland, community teams from Grafton, Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas and four junior teams are competing in the 200 metre sprint races. A full program of exciting dragon boat racing is planned for Sunday. Come down to Memorial Park, Grafton from 8.30 am to watch all the action – the colourful long boats with the big dragon heads and tails sprint along the river in close racing. Watch the timing and precision of the experienced sports teams and the real competition between the community teams. A great view can be had from the terraces in Memorial Park – the finish line is just below – and there will be plenty of food and drink available. Dragon Boat racing is full of colour and excitement. The sports teams in their colourful uniforms, pushing the boats along at up to 16 km an hour or more, the community teams in their costumes competing not only to win but for best dressed team, the pounding of the drums on the boats and the beautiful setting of the Clarence River at Grafton – what a great way to spend a day outdoors!.