Dragons out in Force Sunday, August 21, 2005 proved a momentous day for the recently formed Sapphire Water Dragons Boat Club [SWD] of Merimbula. With fine weather greeting them, eight excited local female paddlers travelled to Deepwater, Bankstown [Sydney] to participate in their first sporting dragon boat race on behalf of the Club. Their efforts were well rewarded with the team returning triumphant with their first gold medals for the Club in the Women's Masters Category. Despite nerves and inexperience with racing, the team performed with great enthusiasm, participating in two heats and one final in the Premier Women's category. Other categories included Open [Men] and Mixed teams. Race distance was 250m. An unusual twist to the event was that instead of the usual 20 paddlers in a boat, only 10 paddlers were required [plus drummer and sweep]. This race is called a €œ10's€� and is still undertaken in the normal 12.5m boats complete with dragon head and tail. Locals Helen Trimble, Vivien Arnott, Kathy Dack, Sue Nelson, Janet Brennan, Sue Clift, Lee Mavanna and Ann O'Donnell joined with Claire McConaghy, Donna Anthony and Julie Corrigan from the Central Coast Sea Dragons to compete against seven other women's teams on the day as Sapphire Water Dragons. The first race was indeed exciting. After discussion of race plan and warm ups, SWD took to the water amidst cheers from various family members and friends who had come along to witness history in the making. Despite the team being all over 40 [Masters], Heat One was against much younger, fitter Sydney teams, including the Navy Women's team. SWD knew they couldn't compete with this power so concentrated on stroke and endurance. Racing against a strong turning tide did not prove a hindrance to the committed team, with SWD placing a well-deserved second, ahead of the Navy girls and 9 seconds behind the winning team [Pacific Dragons Orange]. Inspired by this success, the girls entered the water for Heat Two with greater confidence and determination. With the tide now behind them and increased recreational craft on the river, racing proved more challenging second time around. Choppy water, combined with the wake of surrounding dragon boats added to making paddling hard work. Sticking to their race plan and stroking as one, the team improved their time by 20 seconds, coming in only 8 seconds behind the winning team [Pacific Dragons Purple]. With the Navy women's form returning, SWD graciously accepted a courageous third placing. These efforts positioned the team a respectable fifth overall after the two heats. After much anticipation, the girls entered the B Final with great hope and confidence. Racing against Sydney Tsunami, Flamin' Dragons [Port Macquarie] and Pendragons DA [Penrith] was a challenge the team felt they were capable of meeting. With Lee Mavanna drumming to a steady pace set by the team strokes Claire McConaghy and Ann O'Donnell, the girls had a faultless start. Calls of encouragement from borrowed Sweep James Whisker and excited chanting from the shore urged the blue €œSapphires€� to stay focused. Sue Nelson and Kathy Dack did a great job supporting Claire and Ann, setting a keen pace up front. Viv Arnott, Helen Trimble, Janet Brennan and Sue Clift were a power house of strength and determination in the middle as they followed the team plan without question. The experience of Donna Anthony and Julie Corrigan at the rear cemented a winning formula on the day. Working as one the team battled neck and neck for first place as the finish line neared. However, their final surge of raw energy was not enough to catch the younger and more experienced Tsunami. Sapphire Water Dragons came in a jubilant second place, only two seconds behind the winner. To the team, this was still a fantastic win and all were justifiably proud of their efforts on the day. The bonus at the end of the day came when race organizers placed Sapphire Water Dragons as first place winners in the Women's Masters Category. This earned the team, including drummer and sweep gold medals. What an unexpected victory for the girls and the Club! All paddlers have returned home inspired by their experience and look forward to resuming training and further racing opportunities in future. The official Dragon Boat racing season commences in October, culminating with the Australian Dragon Boat Championships in April 2006. Sapphire Water Dragons is aiming to field a team/s for this prestigious event, so keep listening for news of Club activities. Today Deepwater€¦tomorrow€¦? Currently, the SWD boat is out of the water for winter maintenance, with training hopefully re-commencing on Top Lake Sunday, 25 September 2005. SWD has opportunities for social, sporting and Dragons Abreast paddlers. Men, women and children 13 years and up are all welcome to join in this fun water sport regardless of fitness or ability. Contact for Sport and Social: President Rose Taylor 6495-9577 Contact for Dragons Abreast: Mary Balmain 6495-4109

PADDLING SESSIONS

Social paddlers Coordinator: Annterese Caulfield 6495 3226

Sundays 9.00 (arrive 8.45am) and10.00 (arrive 9.45am)

Tuesdays 5.30 (arrive 5.15pm)

Dragons Abreast Coordinator: Mary Balman 6495 4109

Sundays 7.45am (arrive 7.15am)

Wednesdays 5.30pm (arrive 5.00pm)

SPORTS PADDLERS COORDINATOR: ANNTERESE CAULFIELD 6495 3226

Thursdays 5.30 (arrive 5.15pm)

COMMITTEE MEETINGSSapphire Water Dragons First Monday each monthDragons Abreast Second Wednesday each month IMPORTANT TRAINING NOTES(1) ALL paddlers are required to phone the coordinator 24 hours ahead of session to confirm/decline their space. This allows planning time to run an efficient session.(2) ALL paddlers must arrive 15 minutes ahead of session time and repot to co-ordinator(3) Membership fees are payable by 01 November 05. Casual paddlers are welcome to join us for three sessions before they decide to become a paid-up member. Casual paddlers need to sign a waiver form for insurance purposes. This protects both you and us.(4) Session includes warm-up/warm-down, paddling and boat haulage if necessary(5) SWD's goal is to provide a safe, organised water sport for all to enjoy....promptness assists with all these things and increases the fun of dragon boating. For further details please contact: President Rose Taylor 6495 9577Or visit our website at www.sapphirewaterdragons.org.au HAPPY PADDLING!!