Each boat needs a team of 11 people – 10 rowers and one energetic drummer. If you have more than 11 people eager to join in, no problem! Everyone is welcome, and you can rotate rowers between the races. No previous rowing experience is required.

Whether taking part just for fun, as the ultimate team-building challenge, or with your sights firmly set on being crowned winners, we’ll provide everything from your dragon-headed boat to expert guidance. All you need to bring is your sense of humour, a healthy dose of competitive edge and a boatload of enthusiasm.

After you have registered and had your safety briefing, you’ll take to the water.  Every team is guaranteed a minimum of two races, and winners will progress through rounds to a final race to crown the champions. Don’t forget, there are medals, team pride, and boasting rights at stake. When you’re not racing there’ll be opportunities to network with the other teams.

Dragon boating truly is the ultimate sport for all abilities, and no previous experience is required – if you can hold a paddle and sit in a boat, you can take part.

Improved Team Zone: Teams can now bring their own gazebo (maximum size 3×3 meters, with or without sides). This will be your base for the day and can be branded and decorated however you like.

More Prizes: You don’t have to be the fastest rowers to win! This year we’re introducing prizes for best dressed team; best team name; most creative gazebo; highest fundraising total, and more!

Exciting Raffle:  Every team will receive a strip of five raffle tickets, with the opportunity to buy more on the day.

New Food and Drink Options: We’re pleased to be offering an updated selection of food and drink vans for you to enjoy.

Extra Pontoon: An extra pontoon will be in place to speed up boat loading and unloading, helping the day run even more smoothly.

Branded Flags: Teams can now purchase a branded flag to proudly display on your boat.

Demonstrate your organisation’s support for the community, whilst also raising awareness and vital funds for St Catherine’s. By taking part, you’ll help us be there for local families through the precious memories, final goodbyes, and moments after.

Your team’s registration fee of £275 goes towards the cost of running the event only. By signing up, your team commits to fundraising at least an additional £1325 for our hospice, but the challenge is on to raise even more so we can continue caring for local families who need us most.

This year we’ve lowered the registration fee so it’s more accessible, giving businesses of all sizes the chance to take part. But, it’s important that the event continues to brings in essential income for our hospice, so we’ve increased the fundraising target to ensure the minimum amount we receive from each team remains at £1600 (the same as previous years).

We do have two different payment options available:

Pay £275 now and then fundraise a minimum of £1375 to meet (or exceed!) the £1600 total. Or…

Pay the full £1,600 upfront, and then fundraise as much as you can beyond this.

Every pound you raise directly supports patients and families in our community.

You can fundraise however you choose; we encourage you to get creative and have fun with it! We’re here to help you maximise your total, so feel free to reach out to our Corporate Fundraising Team at corporate@stch.org.uk or call 01293 447365. We’d love to hear about your plans and offer you some handy tips and advice.

The easiest way to kickstart your fundraising and track your progress is by creating a JustGiving page. Simply follow our link, log in, and set up your online fundraising page in minutes.

We have opportunities for companies to sponsor the Dragon Boats event and would be delighted to discuss extending your involvement with us beyond the entry of a team. If you would like to discuss some of the ways you could be a sponsor, please email corporate@stch.org.uk.