5th Annual Nashville Dragon Boat and River Festival

Riverfront Park, Nashville, Tennessee

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Benefiting the Cumberland River Compact and

the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association

Welcome!

You’ll love this event and race site. Riverfront Park and Cumberland River located at the foot of Broadway in downtown Nashville is the perfect venue for both paddlers and spectators. A large viewing area and “paddlers row” are within walking distance to top restaurants, snack bars, parking, souvenir shops, Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and many other Music City attractions. So bring the whole family and plan on spending the day!

Activities

  • The “dotting the eye” of the dragon ceremony will kick off the races on Saturday morning at 8 a.m.
  • Throughout the day, music and arts will be a part of the festival. Check the program for times andplaces.
  • The races will run approximately every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winners will be announcedand honored during the closing ceremonies in the Main Festival Tent, starting at 4:30 p.m.
  • Food and other vendors will be present at various locations throughout the day.

Racing Team Preparation

  • The dragon boat race course is a 250-meter run roughly between the Shelby Street walking bridge and the Woodland Street Bridge. Your team will be outfitted with paddles, personal flotation devices and a dragon boat.
  • You’ll be racing in a four-boat heat in river water against the current.
  • Start and finish lines are marked with buoys. The lanes are not marked but the course is straight.
  • Each team will have a designated area near the promenade. Bottled water will be provided and teams may purchase snacks, food and drinks from festival vendors.
  • No alcohol is permitted in the team staging area.
  • As a safety precaution, paddlers are not allowed to drink beer or consume other alcoholic beverages until their participation in the races is completed.
  • Don’t forget to bring waterproof sunscreen and reapply it every two hours, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing such as a long sleeve shirt.
  • The public will have access to your personal belongings, so please do not leave valuables unprotected. You are responsible for your team’s belongings so please plan accordingly.

Official Race Rules

  • Our officials follow US Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) race rules. Please refer to the USDBF website for a copy of the rules if you are not familiar with them.
  • The bottom line is good sportsmanship and safety. Penalties will be given for wake riding, crossing lanes if it impedes or endangers others, and for general misconduct on land or in the water.
  • Please wait to enjoy the beer tent until after all of your races. The dock master can disqualify your entire crew based on the smell of alcohol on one person’s breath.
  • You can race with a minimum of 16 paddlers.
  • Please make arrangement with guest paddlers before you arrive. Their names and signatures must be on your waiver/team roster before the first race of the day.
  • Costumes are great as long as they do not compromise your personal safety, the safety of the crew, or others. FYI, this is a family event.
  • Lifejackets will be provided for each team member but you are welcome to bring your own regulation vests, if you prefer.

Individual Registration Process

  1. Your registration is not complete until we have received your registration fee.
  • Early registration discount: If payment is received by June 1, 2011, registration is $50 per person.
  • The full registration fee of $60 per person.
  • You will be placed with teams that may be short a few paddlers.

*Please note: For safety reasons, all teams will be assigned a professional steersperson at no charge. Steering the dragon boat requires more skill than any other position. He or she will make sure your boat is on point at the starting line, that the boat is properly balanced, and knows how to maintain a safe distance from other boats and obstructions on the water during the race.

2. Waiver Form Requirements

  • Once the registration form has been processed, the Cumberland River Compact will send information on how to sign the online waiver form.

3. Payment/Registration Information

  • Payment received by June 1, 2011 is $50 per person, and after June 1st registration is $60.
  • Cancellation within 60 days of event date will be refunded 75% of registration fee. Last day to cancel is July 25, 2011.

Contact Information

Cumberland River Compact

Attn: 5th Annual Dragon Boat Race & Water Festival

P.O. Box 41721, Nashville, TN 37204

(615) 837-1151

DRAGON BOAT RACING INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORM

Nashville Dragon Boat and River Festival

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Team Name: ______

Name ____________

Address:______

______

Phone:______Fax:______

E-mail______

Registration Options:

____ Early Registration $50 due byJune 1

____ Full Registration $60 after June 1

Payment Options:

___Check (Make Payment to “Cumberland River Compact”)

___Credit Card ( __ Master Card ___ VISA)

Credit Card Number: ______Exp. Date ______

Name of Card Holder: ______Address: ______City:______

State: ___ Zip Code: ______