Last weekend the Grafton Dragon Boat Club travelled to Kempsey for the last regatta of the year.

It was a full program of events.

On Saturday, we competed in the 1km chase race where one boat containing a women’s crew started 15 seconds before the other boat containing an open crew. Both boats paddled extremely well to record a good, combined time for the course. Our crews also paddled hard in the 100m and 500m races that day. A lovely dinner on Saturday night readied us for ten 200m races we competed in on Sunday. By the end of the program, we were tired, but buoyed by our efforts. There were a number of very attractive Christmas tutus, reindeer antlers and hats which added to the festive atmosphere. Congratulations to Bryce White, who because of his skill on the oar, has qualified as a sweep having successfully swept in four races at regattas. For Rowena and Kate, it was their first regatta, and their enthusiasm and tireless efforts on the water helped their crews immensely.

Our Christmas party is on this Saturday December 9 at The Crown Hotel. Please bring a gift for thieving Santa, humorous or otherwise, to the value of no more than $10.

Training this week will be OTW at 6am on Tuesday and Thursday and 8am Saturday.

If you’d like to try paddling contact us on 0401 634 414 or on Facebook.

Debbie Scattergood