Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

A set of local trophies are at stake, including the "Hell for Leather" trophy for the Sprint series (all Adults). And the McLeod Trophy is presented to the fastest times on the day in the 500m course by a Christchurch adult crew. That time might be recorded in any race (heats or final).

Schools

Note, adults and schools race on the same day (Saturday). Qualifying is the same as adults - that is, three timed heats determines positions in a Finals for Boys/Mixed/Girls.

"The Johnson Challenge Cup" is awarded to the best Christchurch Girls team at the Regatta, i.e. the winner of the girls final. In 2011 the winners were MARIAN!.

South Island Dragon Boat Champs

Adults and schools race on the same day - Saturday 10-March-12 at Lake Hood. In 2011 we were at Pegasus, on the western side of the lake, but we will return to our 'premium' venue in 2012.

In the years when the South Island hosts the NZDBA Nationals, Aoraki like to use our Regional Champs as a 'test' of that same elite venue - Lake Hood, near Ashburton.

First races of the day will be our 'elite' distance, the 500 metres. There will be at least 2 heats for each team, followed by a series of ranked finals.

Then teams will have similar heats, but this time in the 200m sprint series. Note, last year the sprints were 250m, but IDBF have tended toward 200m as the favoured short-distance races.

And then to finish, we have the Turns Race. Still to be decided is whether we have a traditional straight-up-and-down race (approx 400m legs, with three turns, adding about 100m for the turn) or whether we set a triangular course in the broader middle section of Lake Hood.

Results - 500 metre Adult:

Results - 200 metre Sprints, All Adult:

Results - Girls School:

Results - Boys School:

Results - Mixed School:

Results - 2km metre Turns Race:

Competitively, the 'main event' for the Aoraki teams is the "South Island Dragon Boat Regatta", a chance to determine the top local Corporate, Open and School teams.

Remember, in 2011 the regatta date was delayed, due to the 22-Feb-11 earthquake. Note also that the venue was changed to Lake Pegasus.

Facilities

Local food vendors (including coffee, Sports Drinks, Ice Cream and BBQ) set up to serve the paddlers, their supporters and spectators. Portaloos are available near the tent area.

Regattas are run under NZDBA Race Rules

Schedule:

Team Briefing at Lake Hood at 9:30 am, with first Race at 10 am, and 12 minutes between races.

First round is 500m distance, two (or maybe three) heats with all times counting toward the finals (from about 1:30).

After lunch is the second round. Two hundred metre sprints. One Heat (or maybe 2) for each team with the top eight in two Finals.

And to finish, each team has a staggered start to the 2,000 metre multi-turn race, with the fastest elapsed time winning.

School teams Prize Giving will be on the Lake edge/Race HQ immediately after the last race.

Adult teams Prize Giving and After Party, at the Ashburton Hotel.