Paddlers compete

Docklands’ Victoria Harbour hosted two dragon boat competitions last month.

The first, on November 24, was the Australian Corporate Games dragonboat competition.

Around 35 teams competed in the event with about 700 people taking part.

Teams competed in 200 metre sprints, which made for some fast and furious action, according to Dragon Boat Victoria communications director Melissa O’Brien.

Westpac came out on top, with the IBM Dragons coming second and the BECA Becaneers taking out third place.

The following weekend saw another round of dragon boating with the Docklands Cup held on December 2.

Ms O’Brien said this season was the most competitive that Victorian crews had ever seen, following the national championships in Docklands earlier this year and the establishment of several new clubs.

She said teams had travelled from Geelong, Ballarat, Albury and the Mornington Peninsula to join local Melbourne-based teams at the event.

Docklands-based dragon boating club, the Melbourne Flames, dominated the cup.  

The Flames took out first place in the premier mixed, women’s and open 200-metre races and the premier mixed two-kilometre race.

Dragon Masters is also based in Docklands and came first in the grand masters mixed 200-metre race.