The iconic dragon boat race will be the main event at this year’s Dover Regatta

There are medals and awards on offer for the winners of the races (Image: Port of Dover)

These races will see members of the public battle it out in an adrenaline-fueled competition of teamwork and skill. There is still time for teams to enter the dragon boat races, with each team requiring 13 members, comprising 12 paddlers and a drummer.

Team members must be at least 14 years of age to enter and any under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each team will take part in at least three timed races, covering a 200m sprint, with the fastest times being used to whittle down the qualifiers for the grand final.

The regatta will be held at the Dover Marina on Saturday, July 6 from 10am to 6pm (Image: Port of Dover)

The marina pier will offer the best views of these exciting races and the follow-up entertainment at the waterfront. Between 12pm and 12.30pm, the RNLI will take to the waterfront for demonstrations and talks, while guests will also get the chance to see the brand-new RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Following on from this, the Dover lifeguard swimming race will be held between 12.30pm and 1pm, a new addition to the regatta for 2024. From 1pm, the afternoon dragon boat races will commence, coming to a head with the grand final at 3.30pm.

This will see all the final teams race together one last time, with the first boat to cross the finish line crowned the ‘Dragon Boat Champions of Dover’. Such a prestigious title will be marked with an awards ceremony where specially engraved trophies are awarded to the captains of the top three teams and winners’ medals to each member of the winning crew. Full details on entering the dragon boat races can be found here.

Thousands of families are expected to flock to Dover for the event (Image: Port of Dover)

Diederik Smet, Placemaking, Events and Partnerships Manager at the Port of Dover said: “It’s been brilliant to see the Community making the most of Dover’s fantastic waterfront all year round – I’m sure the Regatta will be extremely popular once again. We are thrilled to have Fred. Olsen onboard as lead sponsor for the first time, mirroring our commitment to present world class visitor experiences here in Dover.”

“The Regatta is a day not to be missed – we thank our sponsors Fred. Olsen, DFDS and Perry’s plus local partners, charities, and businesses for working with us to provide amazing memories for the whole family.”

Port of Dover Regatta 2024 timetable

Courtesy of Kent Live