Lakeside Dragon Boat Regatta 11 July 2026

Join us for an oar-some team challenge and race Dragon Boats at Lakeside!

The YMCA Lakeside, in partnership with Kendal Rotary Club, invites you to take part in an exhilarating fundraising event on Windermere—Dragon Boat Racing! Funds raised will support disadvantaged children and young people, enabling them to experience transformative day camps and residentials at one of Europe’s premier outdoor centres.

YMCA Lakeside Dragon Boat Racing – 11 July 2026

Dragon Boat Racing is a high-energy, adrenaline-fueled water sport. Teams race in long, ornate boats, each featuring beautifully carved dragon heads and tails. Up to 14 paddlers sit in pairs, paddling in unison to the beat of a drummer, while a professional helmsperson steers from the stern. Races cover distances of approximately 200m, requiring both power and precision.

Who Can Take Part?
This event is open to teams of adults (16 years and older), and no prior boating experience is necessary just bring your enthusiasm to have a go at a team sport for a good cause. We’ll provide everything from qualified helms to racing equipment.

Make a Difference
Form your team today and enjoy a memorable day and all the while supporting a great cause. Along with trophies and medals for the top performers, every stroke of the paddle helps create opportunities for young people in our community. Don’t miss out!

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DRAGON BOAT RACE ENTRY INFORMATION

Boat Crews

A crew of 15 people required (14 paddlers and 1 drummer). Boat, paddles, buoyancy aids and an experienced helm will be provided. Paddlers need clothes suitable for canoeing. No previous experience is required. Paddlers must be over 16 years old on the day of the Regatta.

Ways to Enter

New for 2026, there are now two ways to enter:

Enter as a team of 15 (14 paddlers + 1 team drummer)
Enter as an individual and join a team!

Entry Fee

Team entry – £675 per boat (£45 per team member).

Individual entry – £45 per person.

Places are limited.

To reserve a place, a non-refundable deposit of £225 for team entries or £15 for individuals is payable when booking.

Full outstanding balance payment to be made by 10 May 2026.

Entry fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organisers.

Sponsorship

There’s no requirement for individual fundraising, but we’d be hugely grateful if teams could come together and raise funds through a shared GoFundMe page.

Every pound raised goes directly towards giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds in our local community the chance to enjoy an action-packed week of outdoor adventures – an experience they’ll never forget! Or, if you prefer, your team can choose to support another good cause close to your hearts.

Race together, give together!

For any questions please contact Lakeside bookings team at lakesidebooking@fyldecoastymca.org and the event information pack will be provided.

Spectators and supporters welcome! Activities on site. Food & Refreshments available all day.

Please read all Terms and Conditions for the event before completing a booking.

Race structure
Everyone will have at least 3 races, with the fastest boats going to the grand final.

Rules and Conditions
All teams must agree to abide by the Rules and Conditions which are available below.

Enquiries
Telephone 01539 539 000
Email lakesidebooking@fyldecoastymca.org

General Rules and Conditions: This Regatta is held under the rules of the Lakeside Regatta and all competitors must abide by them. In the case of persons under the age of 18 their parents or guardians must sign their agreement to the rules of the Lakeside Regatta.
2. Race entry requires payment of the Fees listed on the 2025 Entry Form. Entry fees for
unsuccessful entries will be refunded in full, although, for administrative purposes, they
may be banked by the Regatta in the short term. Entry fees will also be refunded should it be necessary to cancel the Regatta for whatever reason.
3. The completion and submission of an entry form will not in itself guarantee a place in an event. Entries will, however, be taken in the order they are received and where numbers
are restricted, a waiting list will be compiled in case of cancellations.
4. Crew numbers and make-up should conform with the entry requirements as stipulated
on the entry form. Dragon boats may list up to two reserves as possible substitutes should any of the starting team need to drop out during the event heats, and subject to agreement of the Race Organisers on the day.
5. The Regatta organisers and any person acting for them with or without their knowledge
shall not be liable for any loss, damage, death, or personal injury howsoever caused,
arising as a result of visiting or participating in the regatta.
6. Competitors should familiarise themselves with the race rules as outlined below and
attend a safety briefing prior to their first race.
7. A signed entry for an event will be deemed by the organisers as acceptance of these rules and conditions by all the members of a crew as listed in the entry form.
Race rules: Competitors must report to the boat raft ready for embarkation twenty minutes before
the advertised time of their race or when called by the race organisers. Dragon boat
competitors are obliged to attend a safety briefing prior to embarkation. Races will start
at the time stated without reference to absentees. The race officers reserve the right to
alter the programme at any time.
2. All competitors should pay strict attention to the safety arrangements. All paddlers must
obey helms and marshals at all times.
3. All boats and paddles are provided by Lakeside Regatta and competitors may not supply
their own. Shoes must be worn in the boat at all times. Trainers or similar are recommended.
4. Helming the Dragon Boats is the responsibility of the organisers who will provide
experienced helms and whose instructions should be always followed. In the unlikely
event of a collision between the boats the race will be re-run, subject to the helm’s decision.
5. The decision of the judges is final.