Scottish Dancerstake part in Ottawa's Dragon Boat Festival Hugh'sHome Page   

Thegroup, whose average age was about 58 (and the highest by far in the competition), comprised 22 paddlers, drum-man Ross MacDonald and steersman Hugh Reekie. It was a new venture for most, including Ross,who had asked our coach do most of the timing and technique instructing during the practices. Hugh had experience two years agosteering the Ottawa Engineer's boat, which had managed to get to the Sunday second round. This year the crew produced two exciting finishes, with a significant final spurt in the second heat; thissecond race put us 33rd overall, in a fleet of some 80 teams - butnot high enough for a second-round race. The male paddlers were kilted for the land preliminaries, and most revealed tartan boxer shorts as they ran down to the jetty. Hugh steered in his Johnstonetartan kilt, complete with tam, red toorie and green hackle. Theanouncer was heard to say, in astonished tones, "This boat has a steersman wearing a kilt!". Piper Stuart Dick added to the Scottish flavour. All members wore tee shirts showing a multi-coloured dragon design - the fiery, contorting, dragon also sported a kilt and tam ofcourse; Elizabeth Fraser, our octagenerian scottish dancing artist,was delighted that her sketch won the "best design" award at theevent. Over 65 persons contributed overall to the activity, with some35 sharing the paddling duties. Photo- Stan Morrison.

Background: The Dragon Boats races have been a feature of activities in Hong Kong harbour for over half a century; they were introduced to Canada inthe early nineties. These Chinese vessels use the left side for the steering oar; the western names of "port" for left is is in use because Viking and other older vessels have their steering oars on the right, "steerboard" or starboard side. Dragon boats do not, of course, moor with their port, or left, side adjacent to aquay.

     - updated 22 August 2009 
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