Henley Dragon Boat Club has now established the Henley Winter Series (HWS) as the winter dragon boating event in the UK.

The Series comprises of 4 long distance time trials over a circular race course of approximately 7km, with a turn around an island at each end of the course. The turns and staggered start provide exciting racing for the crews and an unexpected spectacle for members of the public enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning stroll along the River Thames.

The events take place on Sunday mornings, allowing ample time for crews to sample some of Henley's pubs for Sunday lunch and celebrations afterwards.

The first ever HWS event was held on 21st November 2004, with 80 paddlers and 5 crews racing in thick fog round the 7.5km circular course. Since then the event has grown in popularity with the first event of the 2006/7 Series attracting 13 crews and over 250 competitors.

Prizes are awarded for the:

In 2006 Henley Dragons were awarded the BDA President's Award for their contribution to British dragon boating through the instigation of the Henley Winter Series and the concept of the Henley Junior Regatta, which became reality in 2007.

Event Format

For anyone who is not familiar with the event, the Series will comprise 4 long distance dragon boat time trials. Crews can elect to attend any number of races in the Series. The circular race course will be approximately 7km, with a turn around an island at each end of the course. Crews will be set off from a rolling start at timed intervals. Events will take place on Sunday mornings, allowing ample time for crews to sample some of Henley's pubs for Sunday lunch and celebrations afterwards.

For a complete summary of previous years click here.

Rules for 2009/10

The bonus system introduced in 2008/9 will continue for 2009/10. A crew will be awarded a 15 second bonus (i.e. deduction from total race time) for every female or junior paddler in their boat. Under this system an all male crew will have no time taken off their elapsed time, a crew with 20 female paddlers will get a 5 minute deduction, and all combinations in between, e.g. a crew with 4 female paddlers will get a 1 minute deduction.

Dates

Due to the chance that the river may be on red flow alert at some point over the winter, we are publishing five dates, including one contingency date in case we have to cancel events due to the conditions. The dates for the series will be:

Entries

Entries are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The entry fee for 2009/10 remains at £6 per paddler per event.

- 20 man boats minimum 16 paddlers - deposit of £84 required with entry form.

- 10 man boats minimum 8 paddlers - deposit of £36 required with entry form.

Entries close 1 week before each event. Crews who do not submit an entry form and deposit before this date will not be permitted to race.

Composite Crew

If anyone is interested in joining a composite crew because your club is not competing please let me know. If there is a willing volunteer to co-ordinate the composite crew, we would be pleased to hear from you too!

Boats

The Series is open to craft other than dragon boats, so if anyone wishes to enter in an outrigger/bell boat/whatever please let us know.

Henley Dragons have two 18-man and one 10-man dragon boats available for use by visiting crews who can not bring their own boat to the event. These will be available on a first come first served basis and can be reserved by sending a cheque for the relevant amount which may be cashed immediately. In the same way as the entry fees, if the event is cancelled before the day the boat loan fees will be refunded in full, and if the event is cancelled on the day half the boat hire fees will be offered for refund. Please contact us for more information, prices and availability.

If any other clubs can bring more than one boat please let us know as there are always several clubs interested in hire/use of a pool boat.

Further Information

Rules, course maps, directions, etc will be published nearer the time. Meanwhile here is some basic information:

• Minimum of 16 (20-man)/8 (10-man) paddlers and drummer compulsory
• Crews will be awarded a 15 second bonus (i.e. deduction from total race time) for every female and/or junior paddler in their boat
• Buoyancy aids must be supplied and worn by all crew members
• Crew manager/helms briefing at 09:30, boat loading at 10:00, and the first crew will be started at 10:30
• Tea/coffee/bacon sarnies/cakes will be on sale before, during and after the event, by the fantastic Henley Kitchen Crew