THE Nowra Water Dragons have proven they really are masters of the water after slaying the field at the eighth World Club Crew Championships in Hong Kong.
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The crew of 23 women and 12 men, made up entirely of Shoalhaven based paddlers went to the championships on July 4 with the hope of reaching a major final.
There were capsizes, collisions, tight lane spaces and very rough conditions but the Nowra Water Dragons had the guts, determination and mental toughness to blitz the field.
They will now return to Nowra with a plethora of gold, silver and bronze medals.
The Shoalhaven crews competed in the all the grand masters events that covered race distances of 200m, 500m and 2000m. This year’s event marked the 36th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Championships.
The team managed to secure a medal in every race category entered including a silver in the open 500 metres, and a bronze in the men’s 200 metres.
The women are the world champions in the 200 metres.
“There are 4700 competitors here chosen as reps from 54 countries so little old Nowra is over the moon,” said team member Judy Panucci.
“We have a huge excess baggage problem with so many big, heavy trophies but no one’s complaining. We’ve beaten Canada’s might, Germany’s power and the speed of many Asian clubs.”
“I was hoping just for a medal. We went two years ago and came in seventh overall, so it was a big step up,” said team coach Christopher Cheung. Mr Cheung has coached the team since 2006.
The overall placings are yet to be finalised.
“I am particularly proud because they have worked really hard. They have been on the water for seven sessions a week as well as two in the gym,” said Mr Cheung.
The Water Dragons Community Regatta will be held this year on September 16.
