JDF and CBA seek Dragon Boat Festival title defence

The Jamaica Defence Force and the Chinese Benevolent Association are aiming to hold on to the Dragon Boat Festival title they captured together last year, as competition began Saturday in the second staging of the CBA Dragon Boat Festival.

Hydra women made the early statement in the women’s division, winning the opening round in 1 minute, 11.52 seconds. General women finished second, Port Royal Blazers women placed third, and Sea Vixens ended fourth.

Organisers said the programme includes 17 races and several divisions. The festival features mixed races, an open category that is usually made up of men, and a women’s category.

Vincent Chen, a past president of the Chinese Benevolent Association and chairman of the CBA Dragon Boat Festival Committee, said the event has expanded sharply since its first staging. He said this year’s field includes overseas representation, with one team from Trinidad and two from The Bahamas.

Chen said last year’s festival involved only Jamaican teams and had about seven teams taking part. He said the increase in entries shows that interest in dragon boat racing is growing, with spectators and potential participants showing curiosity about getting involved in paddling.

The festival continues Sunday, with the second day of racing scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. Finals will be followed by the presentation ceremony.