The first Windermere Dragon Boat Regatta, held on 12 July (2025) at YMCA Lakeside, brought together teams, spectators, and volunteers for a successful day of sport and fundraising.
The event, run in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kendal, raised over £5,000 to support YMCA Lakeside’s Summer Day Camp Bursary Scheme and other local causes.
With nearly 200 participants, the regatta featured races, children’s games, food stalls, music, and a raffle. Overall winner was English Lakes Hotels whose crew took part in three race heats, competing against eight other teams, with the fastest three boats going through to a grand final. They were presented with a trophy by MP Tim Farron and say they will be back in 2026 to defend their title.
Others who entered teams included: Paddlers for Life, Windermere Rowing Club, Windermere Science Festival, Cancer Care, Baxter Storey Catering and Lancaster’s Neurocare Physiotherapy and Dropin.
Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels says: “The day was filled with energy, teamwork, and brilliant community spirit – all in support of a fantastic cause. Winning was the icing on the cake, but knowing we’ve helped make a difference for young people at YMCA Lakeside is what made it truly special.”
Reflecting on the day, David Oates from Kendal Rotary Club said: “We are absolutely delighted that the inaugural Windermere Dragon Boat Regatta was such a resounding success. It has been a real pleasure to work in partnership with the team at YMCA Lakeside. Together we have raised over £5,000 for the Summer Day Camp Bursary Scheme and other very worthwhile charities whilst giving nearly 200 people a great day of fun and excitement. We are already working together towards an even bigger event next year.”
The funds raised will help ensure that children from low-income families can access YMCA Lakeside’s outdoor learning programmes, which focus on personal growth, resilience, and leadership development.
YMCA Lakeside, one of the UK’s leading youth development centres, provides thousands of young people with confidence-building outdoor experiences each year. Godfrey Owen from YMCA Lakeside added: “We are immensely grateful to all who made the day such a success — to the participants who gave their all on the water, the sponsors and vendors whose generosity and fantastic food enriched the experience, and to the many volunteers and partners who supported us throughout. A special thanks goes to the Rotary Club of Kendal, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing this event to life.”
Looking ahead – plans are already underway for next year’s regatta on Saturday 11 July. Expect bigger boats, more teams, and even more community spirit.
To find out more please email lakesideenq@fyldecoastymca.org
