Roaring Waves and Drumbeats

40 Years of Dragon Boating in Stanley

Stanley has long served as a historical hub for fishermen, every year during Tuen Ng Festival fishermen and locals do spectacular dragon boat race to celebrate this enduring tradition for good fortune and health.

In the late 1960s, dragon boat races in Stanley gained popularity among expatriates, paving the way for the renowned Stanley Dragon Boat Races. Since local Chinese teams traditionally dominated the competition, separate categories for foreign and Chinese participants were introduced in 1975 to ensure fair play. A women’s group category was later added, further enriching the festival’s exhilaration.

Initially held at Stanley Bay near Tin Hau Temple and Murray House, the races attracted growing interest, necessitating a shift to Stanley Main Beach. This locale offered an ideal setting for competitors and spectators to fully immerse in the electrifying and celebratory atmosphere of the event.

An integral aspect of the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships is its diverse and inclusive spirit, attracting participants from across the globe. Featuring the largest number of teams and organizations from around the world, the championships have risen to become one of the most significant dragon boat events internationally. Recognizing its prestige, the championships were officially included in the International Dragon Boat Federation's calendar of annual events in 2002.

The festival is expertly organized by the Stanley Residents Association, remaining true to a deep-rooted commitment to efficiency. While thoughtfully planned by dedicated volunteers, organizers continuously channel efforts into improving both the logistics and experience of the championship—for participants, race officials, and the broader community alike—ensuring meaningful local impact while celebrating one of Stanley’s most spirited traditions.

赤柱龍舟賽40年悠久歷史

赤柱自古以來都是漁民一個重要的避風港口，而每年的龍舟賽事是為了慶祝一年一度的端午節盛事。

在六十年代尾，本地的龍舟賽開始引起居住於赤柱的外籍人士之興趣，赤柱龍舟賽事便應運而生。由於以往的賽事都由華籍的隊伍獨領風騷，因此為了公平起見，主辦單位在1975年把外籍隊伍與華籍隊伍分成兩組比賽。而在設立外籍組賽事後，也相繼開辦女子組的賽事。

最早期的比賽，原是在天后廟及美利樓對出的赤柱海灣舉行。但由於比賽的規模不斷擴大，因此後期的龍舟錦標賽就移師到今日的赤柱正灘進行，讓參賽者或觀眾皆在一片熱烈的節日氣氛中盡情享受賽事帶來的興奮。

設有多元國籍的龍舟賽已經成為赤柱國際龍舟錦標賽的一大特色。此項錦標賽不僅是參賽人數及參賽公司數目持續保持最多的賽事，更是世界上其中一項最大型的龍舟賽。赤柱龍舟錦標賽已經成為國際上知名的賽事，在2002年已被國際龍舟聯合會收錄於全年總表之內。

本屆盛事由赤柱居民聯誼會精心主辦，始終秉持對高效運作的堅定承諾。儘管活動是由一群熱誠的義工周詳策劃，主辦方仍持續致力於優化賽事的後勤安排及整體體驗——務求令參賽健兒、工作人員及廣大社區均能受惠——在慶祝這項赤柱最具活力的傳統盛事之餘，亦確保能為當地帶來具意義的影響。