York Rotary Dragon Boat Race takes place on River Ouse

The annual York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on the River Ouse has begun, with 36 teams represented in heats which began at 10am today (Sunday, July 13).

Each team races in three heats, with a grand-final set to take place at 4pm between the six fastest teams across the three heats qualifying.

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The nominated charity for 2025 is Citizens Advice York, as well as the York Rotary Charity Fund which is distributed to charities throughout the year, and by 11am, the event had already raised £92,600.

The racing takes place between Scarborough Rail Bridge and Lendal Bridge, with competitors and commentors on one bank and spectators and charity stalls on the other – with the bridges also lined with people.

Some teams this year include First Bus York staff, racing as the First Rider Vikings as well as team Roar for Door 84, including RotaCloud, Door 84 Youth and Community Centre and John Wright Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd, and a team from the Grand Opera House, supporting men’s mental health charity Menfulness.

One returning team is last year’s winners The Growlers – Ged Bell Butchers, who have competed in each race for the past 22 years and are led by team captain Lee Bell.

Last year’s winner The Growlers ahead of their first heat (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Lee said: “We’re all really excited, this is always a nervy period before we get called up for our first heat. There’s lots of pressure, but we feel good so far.

“My dad started the tradition of taking part for us and we’ve got three generations having taken part with my son racing and my niece playing the drum at the front. It’s a bit of an emotional day for us too.”

Next to the Growlers on the riverbank is Team Dragonflies, who had decorated their ‘rivals’ shop in love hearts which read ‘Growlers love Dragonflies’ just days prior.

The Dragonflies in their 50s set up (plus Rubix Cube created for last year’s costume!) (Image: Alice Kavanagh) The group was formed to raise money for cuddle beds at St Leonard’s Hospice – which will allow people to be with their loved ones – and are taking part in honour of Nick Ryan.

Team leader Shellie said: “The name Dragonflies came from the fact that Nick loved the dragonflies and tending to his garden.

“This is the second year that we’ve competed and some of the people didn’t even know each other before we got started with this. We’re currently on targeted to raise over £3000 and want to raise money for a bariatric topper for the cuddle beds.”

St Leonard’s Ruby Rowers (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Lou, Nick’s wife, added: “It gives us something positive to focus on.”

Other competitors included the Ruby Rovers from St Leonards who were ‘hoping to stay afloat and dazzle the opposition with their wigs’ and KEY – Kitchen for Everyone – who were feeling good ahead of the day.

Rotary Club President Paul Roberts said that he was pleased with how the event was going so far – with the event being his first as president, as well as the biggest of the year for the organisation.

KEY – Kitchen for Everyone – rowers were excited for the day (Image: Alice Kavanagh) He was joined by Dave Marchant who said: “Last year, our charity was the Samaritans (York) and they said the money that we raised through the event would keep them going for six months.

“With Citizens Advice, they do great work, and they need our help to continue with the great work they do helping people with debt and other situations.”

Crowds on the riverbank and on the river itself were also enjoying the atmosphere with Adeline, aged four, and mum Sophie, aged 35, who brought a picnic over from Acomb and were settled by the finish line enjoying the races.

Sophie and Adeline were enjoying the costumes (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Sophie said: “We’ve come to watch the boats and it’s been nice so far – we’re set up near the start, but Adeline has been really enjoying the finish, so we’ll go up nearer the end at Lendal Bridge.”

Adeline added that her favourite part was the costumes, especially one rower who was wearing a unicorn hat.

Two more people also making the most of the good weather were Julie and Martin from Oldham, who keep their boat at Naburn, and visit York most weekends.

Julie and Martin visit York from Oldham most weekends and are making the most of the city’s events! (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Julie said: “We came over last week and docked here with no idea there was a concert going on. Today, we woke up and saw all of his was happening too.

“We don’t usually get up early, but we thought ‘what’s that noise?’. We’ll be here watching until the end, then we’ll head back home later today.”

At the time The Press was at the event, the first heat of races had just finished with the fastest time so far being Motor Neurone Disease Association in 01.08.58.

The day will finish with a prize ceremony, which typically takes place at around 4.30pm.