Twenty teenagers in the one small boat sounds like some kind of uni student stunt. However, for the Australian Navy Cadets of Taipan Flotilla it is a serious team-building exercise and, no doubt, loads of fun too.
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The Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club is set to welcome 64 young Navy cadets, who along with their commanding officers will total 80 participants, in its 10th annual dragon boat regatta to be held on the Bellinger River at Mylestom on Sunday September 15.
The Australian Navy Cadets provides development experiences for youth aged 13 to 18 years and is sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy with aim of building leadership skills through a range of experiences.
The Taipan Flotilla has cadet units based around Northern NSW from the Central Coast to Ballina and west to Armidale. Cadets participate in water-based activities such as sailing, powerboating, cannoning, kayaking and dragon boating. The cadets visit naval bases around Australia where they undertake exercises in camping, training and ship visits and learn skills including seamanship, drill, leadership, first aid, cooking, navigation and communication.
The contingent of 80 will be competing in four crews, three junior and one senior in the community section of the Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Regatta. Races are held on a 200m section of the river and other community teams competing on the day will be Japara Health Care, Deadly Sista Girlz, Coffs Harbour Primary School and Ethical Dental.
Sunday September 15 will be a day full of excitement and fast-paced action with nine regional dragon boat clubs from up and down the coast also competing.
And you don't have to be a competitor to enjoy the spectacle of the regatta. All are welcome to relax under the shade of a tree on the banks of the beautiful Bellinger River and barrack for your favourite team. There is no charge for spectators.
Back-to-back race activities start from 8am and will wind up with the presentation of awards around 3pm. Repton Primary School will be on hand with a delicious array of homemade lunch items, cakes and snacks. And there will be a coffee van on site and nearby café. Ample parking is available in the area.
The Coffs Coast Dragon Boat Club paddles all year around and has four training sessions each week on the Bellinger River at Mylestom or Bonville Waters. For more information www.coffscoastdbc.com.au or phone 0418 953882