In 1985, the CYSM Sea Dragons entered its first crews to race in the Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival. Whilst the past saw the team raise its paddles just for fun, it has evolved over time into a highly competitive force. This is particularly evidenced in the last two seasons, punctuated by phenomenal performances at this race season’s closer. 

Backed by tireless training on and off the water, AusChamps2018 saw the club achieving personal bests in all Premier categories that we entered. We experienced the jubilation of first national medals with our Open 10s crew over 200m (silver), 500m (bronze) and 2000m sweeps race (bronze). There was also a 4th for our Mixed 10s (200m), and semi-final appearances for our Women’s 10s (200m) and Mixed 20s (500m) crews. The growing confidence and strength of our Women’s crew was also on show as they contested the 2000m sweeps race for the first time. With members making the cut on Victorian State team and national team lists (our Auroras), there is no doubt that the Sea Dragons are ascending. 

We have always competed as a Premier crew. With the passing of another season and a new one looming, in a coming of age, the CYSM Sea Dragons will be building a Masters crew for season 2018/19. With a solid foundation of veteran paddlers, six of whom were included in the Senior A Vic State crew list at AusChamps2018, we are set to fire. Recent recruitments and return of former paddlers back to the fold will ensure that we can achieve this next milestone in the club’s future.