Twenty-three teams from all over the county will be competing in this year’s RNLI Cornish Dragon Boat Challenge that is being held in Falmouth on Sunday.

It is hoped that this year’s event will raise in excess of £10,000 for the RNLI in Cornwall. As well as over 400 competitors taking part in the competitive racing, it is hoped that many more people will come down to the Events Square next to the National Maritime Museum to watch the racing and enjoy the carnival type atmosphere that goes with Dragon Boat Racing.

Dave Nicoll, RNLI Area Fundraising Manager said: “This is a great day out for all the family so why not come along and support your local teams who are helping to raise money for the RNLI, so ensuring our volunteer Lifeboat Crews and Lifeguards can save lives around the Cornish Coast.”

Skinners Brewery who are one of this year’s sponsors will be providing a beer tent on the Events Square, Falmouth Events Ltd and Port Pendennis Marina have also been very generous in provide the various facilities that are required.

Anyone interested in taking part in this event should contact Dave Nicoll on 01326 210008 or dnicoll@rnli.org.uk Dragon Boats are 40ft open boats built on the lines of the traditional Chinese design and are powered by up to 16 competitors using paddles. The boats race against each other and are steered by a helmsman on the stern using a long oar. A Drummer who is positioned precariously on the bow of the boat as they race along a course set in Falmouth Inner Harbour provides the rhythm for the paddlers.