Henley’s mixed dragons lead way with series win

DRAGONBOAT and outrigger crews from Milton Keynes, Worcester, London, Loughborough, Bournemouth and Shoreham took part in the first race of the Henley Dragonboat Winter Series over the 7km and 12km courses.

The outriggers set off first in their 12km two loop course. Ten canoes took part, including two new youth, two ladies, a couple of mixed and open crews.

Overall, Wraysbury (mixed) came first in a time of 59 minutes, 30 seconds, Paddlesports Racing Team (open) in one hour, one minute and 37 seconds and Shoreham (open) third in one hour, two minutes and 14 seconds.

The first ladies’ crew Hurricanes came over the line in a time of one hour, eight minutes and 45 seconds. The youth crews undertook one lap which equated to 7km, in which they completed their course in
40 minutes 20 seconds and 20 minutes,
24 seconds respectively.

The dragonboats created a stir on the water with non-stop battles down their 7km course. Each boat was released every 30 seconds on to the course in a pursuit race, with the faster crews starting last.

There were tight battles between crews as the motion from the river and wash created choppy waters. Crews met on the Temple Island buoy turn, requiring them to turn together.

Faster boats seized their opportunities cutting in the inside and pushing past the battling crews.

Rafters, a men’s team from various places in mid/south of England, finished first in the open category in time of
33 minutes, 23 seconds. Henley Dragons and Wraysbury Dragons battled it out for first mixed crew, with Henley just pipping Wraysbury in a time of 36 minutes and 16 seconds. Wraysbury finished 21 second behind. Soaring Dragons were third and Hurricanes fourth.

The second race in the series will take on Sunday, starting at 10am.