When you think of Venice, you might have idyllic images of gondolas cruising down the grand canal guided by Venetian men in striped shirts. This will not be the case for four local ladies who will be taking place in a 33-kilometre race around the islands of Venice. 

The Vogalonga (which is a Venetian expression for a ‘long rowing race’), has been organised yearly since 1974, when it began as a protest about the damage caused by motorboat traffic in the Venice lagoon. There are now 2000 non-motorised craft and over 7,000 participants taking part in the event. The big day is 19 th May.

Four members of the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club: Heather McAlpine, Annie Boulton, Julie Campbell and Ann Harrison will be joining others to accept the challenge in a 20-person dragon boat. The other 16 paddlers come from Jindabyne, Moruya and Narooma Clubs. 

Going under the descriptive name of ‘Dragons Downunder’, they will be ready to wave the Australian flag in this race, open to all countries and all types of non-motorised boats. There’s such an array of rowing boats – Venetian and English styles along with dragon boats and kayaks. There are even SUPs!

“International events bring such a dynamic mixture of training towards the goal. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team,” Heather says. “But there’s bonding and team camaraderie in any event. Each year we compete in the Lunar New Year Festival on Darling Harbour, and the Sydney International Regatta Centre. We also have interstate competitions.” 

But there are other local options for those interested in trying dragon boating. The club trains regularly on Lake Illawarra. “I’m such a nature lover, and most training sessions we get to see a massive black swan community in flight or just chilling around us, as well as egrets and pelicans. Although I don’t broadcast this loudly,” she says with a chuckle, “as we’re supposed to be focussed in the boat!”

One of Heather’s annual dragon boating highlights is being part of the Shellharbour Festival of Sport. “This competition includes community teams, such as schools and sporting clubs. Last year, even our church in Kiama created a team,” she says.

Anyone interested in finding out more, please visit the Illawarra Dragon Boat Club at www.idbc.org.au.