DRAGONS ON DARLING PRIDE REGATTA
Details
14/02/2026
This is a sanctioned event —
DBNSW 25-26
Event information
Registrations for this event are closed.
Dragons on Darling 2026 - The Love Edition
“I’m Spinning Around…” and falling in love with the turns!
Get ready to turn, twist, and fall head over heels — because Dragons on Darling returns to Darling Harbour on Saturday, 14 February 2026, and this time it’s all about love, pride, and pure paddling passion.
This is The Love Edition, a celebration of connection, community, and courage on the water. Whether it’s the love of racing, the love of inclusion, or the love of being fabulously yourself, this Valentine’s Day regatta will set hearts (and paddles) racing.
The First Ever Turns Racing - Love at Every Turn
We’re spinning around with excitement as Turns Racing makes its dazzling debut at Darling Harbour!
For the first time, crews will battle it out in a course filled with thrilling buoy turns, tight corners, and spectacular on-water action all right in front of the crowd. Watch as boats twist and power through the harbour, each turn a dance of precision, passion, and pride.
It’s fast. It’s fierce. It’s fabulous.
And just like love it’s all about finding your rhythm, holding your line, and trusting your crew.
Love, Music, and Magic on the Water
This isn’t just a regatta it’s a love-fuelled harbour festival that celebrates everyone under the rainbow.
Between the turns and the triumphs, Darling Harbour will come alive with:
💃 Dazzling drag performances and fabulous on-water moments
🎧 Live DJs spinning beats inspired by Kylie and pride anthems
🎤 Vibrant race commentary that keeps the energy flowing all day
🌟 Festival vibes that fill the harbour with joy, glitter, and heart
From sunrise to sunset, you’ll feel the energy, the love, and the sparkle that make Dragons on Darling an unforgettable Sydney spectacle.
Race Hard. Love Loud. Celebrate Together.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or cheering from the sidelines, Dragons on Darling 2026 - The Love Edition is your chance to celebrate inclusion, connection, and community.
Bring your partner, your friends, your crew or just come solo and find your people among the waves. Because love, like dragon boating, is all about moving forward together.
📅 Saturday, 14 February 2026
📍 Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
🕗 All-day event – straight racing, turns racing, drag shows, DJs, and festival fun
Race Details
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Racing begins: 8:00am sharp (finish time may vary based on entries and conditions)
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Team size: 16–20 paddlers per team (plus up to 4 reserves)
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Sweep Level: Level 3 or higher
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Format: 200m straight-line sprints (Standard Boat/20s), plus 750m (approx) turns racing.
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Categories For Straight-line sprints (no age divisions):
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Mixed Opens Women 20s– Clubs
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Categories For Turns (no age divisions):
This category is limited to a set number of entries and requires a Level 3 or higher sweep with a minimum of four 2km turn-race experiences. Sweep Pool will be available for clubs unable to provide their own sweeps.- Mixed Opens Women 20s– Clubs
- Mixed Opens Women 20s– Clubs
- Best Dressed Crew Competition
- Opens 20s - Top 6 Best dressed crews as voted on the day
All races follow DBNSW Bylaws. Gender is based on self-identification at the regatta. Contact us for an category exemptions.
Special festival races include the legendary DRAG-ON Boat Race and the Best Dressed Crew competition!
Deadlines:
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Training/Marquee bookings: 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 December 2025
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Early Bird entry & payment: 11:59pm, Wednesday 31 December 2025
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Final entries: 11:59pm, Friday 23 January 2026
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Payment due: 11:59pm, Friday 6 February 2026
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Crew list deadline: 8:00am, Saturday 14 February 2026
