MORE than 400 paddlers took to the water at Forster Keys on the weekend for the third annual Forster Dragon Boat Regatta. 

Eleven clubs, six junior and six senior community teams participated in the event held on Saturday and Sunday. 

Hosted by the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead opened the regatta while the winner’s trophies on Sunday were presented by Great Lakes mayor Jan McWilliams. 

Member Brian Bruton said despite trying their best, the Pearl Dragons missed out on receiving a place at the event but the Great Lakes College team well and truly flew the flag for the region with an impressive finish. He said overall the event had been a great success. 

Port Macquarie team the Flamin’ Dragons finished first in the women’s event while the Coffs Coast finished first in the men’s. 

In the mixed teams race it was Kempsey who took out the top spot and in the community mixed race it was the Great Lakes. 

The Newcastle Marlins claimed first in both the 2km and the 500 metre races. 

Regatta results  

Junior/Under 24:

First, GLC students: 1:06:11

Second, Reliance Rebels: 1:10:39 (Navy Cadets)

Third,  Manning River: 1:12:88

Sports Women:

First, Flamin Dragons Port Macquarie: 1:01:61

Second, Kempsey: 1L01:88

Third, Newcastle Redfins: 1:02:58

Sports men 10s:

First, Coffs Coast: 59:61

Second, Kempsey: 59:77

Third, Manning River: 1:01:57

Sports mixed:

First, Kempsey: 59:66

Second, Newcastle Marlins: 1:01:65

Third, Coffs Coast: 1:01:78

Community mixed:

First, GLC Staff: 1:02:05

Second, Gathang Warriors: 1:03:34

Third,  Manning Great Lakes RDA: 1:03:60

2km race:

First, Newcastle Marlins: 11:54:66

Second,Newcastle Redfins: 12:23:35

Third, Camden Haven: 12:38:81

500m race:

First, Newcastle Marlins: 2:35:03

Second, Deepwater/Armidale: 2:36:87

Third, Newcastle Redfins: 2:37:10